West Caldwell hasn't had much luck against Lincolnton recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Warriors will look to defend their home field against the Wolves at 6:00 p.m. West Caldwell has given up an average of 13 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
West Caldwell is headed into Friday's matchup looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their 23rd straight game dating back to last season on Wednesday. They lost 16-3 to North Wilkes.
West Caldwell saw two different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Landon Martin, who scored two runs and stole two bases while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances.
Meanwhile, Lincolnton can bid farewell to their seven-game losing streak thanks to their game on Wednesday. They blew past Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy 22-11. The Wolves' offense finally found a way to get into gear: the high-octane performance was a 180-degree turn from their last four games.
Devin Leonard and Karson Cloninger were a major factor while hitting and pitching. Throwing, Leonard pitched four innings while giving up just two earned (and seven unearned) runs off four hits. Meanwhile, Cloninger pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. He also tossed no walks, which is notable because Lincolnton is 2-1 when he allows at most one walk, but 3-10 otherwise. At the plate, Leonard scored a run while going 2-for-5, while Cloninger went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, four RBI, and one run. The dominant performance also gave Leonard a new career-high in RBI (three).
In other pitching news, Noah Eaker looked comfortable as he pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two hits in four consecutive appearances.
Back at the plate, Lincolnton got a massive performance out of Peyton Grooms, who scored two runs while going 5-for-6. Those two runs gave Grooms a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Yorye Urena, who scored four runs and stole three bases while going 2-for-5.
Lincolnton always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .549. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
West Caldwell's defeat dropped their record down to 0-16. As for Lincolnton, their win bumped their record up to 5-11.
West Caldwell suffered a grim 10-0 defeat to Lincolnton in their previous meeting back in March. Will the Warriors have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
