Hampshire is 0-10 against Culleoka since April of 2021 but things could change on Monday. The Hawks will host the Warriors at 6:00 p.m. The two teams each escaped (but just barely!) with wins against their previous opponents.
Hampshire took a six-run loss the last time they faced off against Hickman County, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Hawks won by a run and slipped past the Bulldogs 5-4. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Hawks have posted since March 14th.
Hampshire's victory was truly a team effort as six different players contributed at least one hit. One of them was Keaon Nicholson, who went 1-for-2 with two RBI.
Hampshire hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team has now struck out at least five batters in four consecutive matches.
Meanwhile, Culleoka had to endure a six-game losing streak, but that streak is no more. They skirted past Perry County 6-5.
Ethan Lovett was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he tossed four innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off two hits. Culleoka is 2-1 when Lovett allows two or fewer earned runs, but 3-11 otherwise. Lovett was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with one run and one RBI. That's the most hits he has posted since back in March.
Hampshire's win was their sixth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 16-6. Those home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.7 runs over those games. As for Culleoka, their win bumped their record up to 5-12.
Hampshire's speedy runners might be the difference in Monday's game. The Hawks have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 5.5 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Culleoka, though, as they've been averaging only 1.2 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Hampshire continue to outrun the ball?
Hampshire couldn't quite get it done against Culleoka in their previous meeting back in April of 2024 as they fell 7-2. Can the Hawks avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
