Hoggard proved they can win big last Tuesday (they won by seven) and on Wednesday they proved they can win the close ones too. They came out on top in a nail-biter against the Swansboro Pirates, sneaking past 4-3. The Vikings haven't had any issues with the Pirates recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive victory against them.
Preston Smith was a major factor no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up a single walk in three consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 2-for-4.
Brandon Bush
| 03/06/25 vs West Carteret | 3 |
| 03/19/25 vs Swansboro | 2 |
| 03/18/25 vs West Brunswick | 2 |
| 03/11/25 @ South Brunswick | 2 |
| 03/14/25 @ North Brunswick | 1 |
| + 2 more games |
Smith wasn't the only one making solid contact as four players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Brandon Bush, who scored two runs and stole Two bases. while going 2-for-3. Hoggard is undefeated when Bush posts two or more runs, but 1-5 otherwise.
Hoggard pushed their record up to 5-5 with the win, which was their third straight at home. The wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.0 runs on average over those games. As for Swansboro, they are on a three-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 2-4.
Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Hoggard will welcome Laney at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. Laney is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.9 runs per game this season. As for Swansboro, they will look to defend their home field on Friday against Richlands at 7:00 p.m. The last four games Richlands has played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
