Lumberton hasn't had much luck against Hattiesburg recently, but that could start to change on Saturday. A feisty cat fight will be fought as the Panthers duke it out with the Tigers at 11:00 a.m. Lumberton's pitching crew has only allowed three runs per game this season, so Hattiesburg's hitters will have their work cut out for them.
While Lumberton's win against North Forrest wasn't quite the blowout they won the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. Lumberton came out on top in a nail-biter against North Forrest on Friday, sneaking past 8-6. While the Panthers didn't have the best season last year (they finished 6-15-1), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past.
Hunner Long was excellent, going 1-for-3 with two RBI and one double. Kobe Adams also deserves some recognition as he stole his first stolen base of the season.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Hattiesburg, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Tuesday. They put the hurt on Moss Point with a sharp 14-2 victory on Friday. Hattiesburg hasn't had any issues with Moss Point recently, as the game was their third consecutive win against them.
Corey McDonald looked comfortable as he struck out seven batters over four innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off three hits (and only one walk). What's more, he gave up only one walk, the fewest he's had since back in February of 2024.
On the hitting side, Joe Polk was a standout: he scored two runs and stole two bases while going 3-for-4. What's more, he posted three hits, the most he's had since back in March of 2024. Another player making a difference was Tyler Weatherspoon, who scored two runs while going 2-for-3.
Hattiesburg kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 13 hits. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their hit total in three consecutive games.
Hattiesburg's victory was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 3-3. Those victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.3 runs on average over those games. As for Lumberton, they have been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five matches. That somehow still isn't as good as their 6-1-1 record this season.
Saturday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Lumberton has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .449. However, it's not like Hattiesburg struggles in that department as they've averaged .480. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Lumberton might still be hurting after the 20-2 loss they got from Hattiesburg in their previous meeting back in March of 2021. Can Lumberton avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
