North Duplin is 9-1 against Neuse Charter since April of 2019 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Thursday. The Rebels will face off against the Cougars at 6:00 p.m. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.
North Duplin can't be too worried about heading out to take on Neuse Charter: they just beat Hobbton at home, who had been dominant on their own field up to that point. The Rebels blew past the Wildcats 10-4 on Tuesday. Considering the Rebels have won three matches by more than five runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
Wesley Holmes
| 04/01/25 @ Hobbton | 2 |
| 03/25/25 @ Union | 2 |
| 03/06/25 vs South Lenoir | 2 |
| 03/18/25 vs Neuse Charter | 1 |
| 03/12/25 @ South Lenoir | 1 |
North Duplin let Wesley Holmes and Noah Price run wild. Holmes scored two runs and stole a base while going 3-for-3, while Price scored three runs while getting on base in four of his five plate appearances. North Duplin is 2-1 when Holmes posts two or more runs, but 3-4 otherwise. The team also got some help courtesy of Noa Quintanillia, who went 2-for-4 with two doubles and two RBI.
North Duplin hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post two or more strikeouts.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Neuse Charter). They never let Union get on the board and left with a 14-0 win on Tuesday. The Cougars not only won on Tuesday, but they posted their biggest win since April 9, 2024.
Connor Phillips made a big impact no matter where he played. He struck out six batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit (and not a single walk). He has been consistent : he hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs while going 3-for-3.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Eli Edwards, who scored three runs and stole two bases while going 2-for-3. He continues to improve, besting his previous point total in each of the last three games he's played. Will Denning also deserves some recognition as he scored his first run of the season.
Neuse Charter's first victory this season bumped their record up to 1-9. As for North Duplin, the win got them back to even at 5-5.
North Duplin's speedy runners might be the difference in Thursday's contest. The Rebels have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.8 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Neuse Charter, though, as they've been averaging only 1.2 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will North Duplin continue to outrun the ball?
North Duplin skirted past Neuse Charter 7-6 when the teams last played back in March. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Rebels since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
