The Goldsboro Cougars are taking a road trip to square off against the East Carteret Mariners at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Goldsboro, yet to win a game, are hoping to taste some of the success that has characterized East Carteret's (thus far) undefeated season.
Things were looking good for Goldsboro after they put the first points on the board on Thursday, but unfortunately for them things went downhill from there. They fell just short of Village Christian Academy by a score of 8-7. One positive for the Cougars, at least, is that this was the most points they've scored all season.
Brayden Smith was huge no matter where he played even without the win. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out ten batters over five innings while giving up three earned runs off five hits. The dominant performance gave him a new career-high in strikeouts. He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run and stealing Two bases. while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances.
Avery Grant
| 03/13/25 vs Village Christian Academy | 2 |
| 05/02/24 vs Eastern Wayne | 1 |
| 04/30/24 vs Spring Creek | 1 |
| 04/18/24 @ Beddingfield | 1 |
| 03/26/24 vs Beddingfield | 1 |
In other batting news, Avery Grant was cooking despite his team's loss, going 1-for-4 with one home run, two stolen bases, and two runs. Those two stolen bases gave him a new career-high. Armani Scrufari was another key player, going 2-for-3 with three RBI and one double.
Even though they lost, Goldsboro always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .622. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Village Christian Academy only posted an OBP of .455.
Meanwhile, East Carteret narrowly escaped with a win as the team sidled past Swansboro 4-3.
Eli Jenkins was excellent, scoring two runs and stealing a base while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances.
East Carteret's victory was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 7-0. As for Goldsboro, their defeat dropped their record down to 0-6.
Friday's match will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Goldsboro hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .315. However, it's not like East Carteret struggles in that department as they've averaged .367. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Goldsboro couldn't quite get it done against East Carteret in their previous matchup back in April of 2024 as they fell 8-3. Can Goldsboro avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
