Baseball Recap: Union Pines Takes a Loss

Union Pines extended their losing streak to three on Thursday, dropping their season record down to 8-13 in the process. They lost 9-2 to the Pinecrest Patriots. Unfortunately, that's the second time they've come up short against the Patriots this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 4-1 on Wednesday.

Preston Whitaker

Runs

04/24/25 vs Pinecrest	2
04/14/25 @ Uwharrie Charter Academy	2
04/04/25 @ Hoke County	2
04/01/25 vs Hoke County	2
03/18/25 vs Scotland	2
+ 7 more games

Preston Whitaker was cooking despite his team's loss, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs and one stolen base. He has become a key player for Union Pines: the team is 5-2 when he posts at least two runs, but 3-11 otherwise.

As for Pinecrest, the win was the third in a row for them, bringing their record up to 16-7. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 8.0 runs over those games.

On Pinecrest's side, Will Chopping made a splash no matter where he played. He didn't allow a single earned run while striking out six over 5.1 innings pitched. Chopping has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two runs and two doubles. Those two doubles gave him a new career-high.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Eythan Reynolds, who went 3-for-4 with two runs, two doubles, and two RBI. That's the most doubles he has posted since back in March. The team also got some help courtesy of JC Woolard, who went 3-for-5 with one run and one RBI.

Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Union Pines will square off against Montgomery Central at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. As for Pinecrest, they will challenge Central Davidson at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. The last three games the Spartans have played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.