The Rockingham County Cougars will square off against the Morehead Panthers at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (Rockingham County 2.9, Morehead 3.8) so any runs scored will be well earned.
Rockingham County had to skate by with only a two-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the 15-run drubbing they dealt Vandalia Christian on Thursday. The Cougars blew past the Vikings 19-4. The result was nothing new for the Cougars, who have now won 11 contests by six runs or more so far this season.
Hudson Deel
| 03/18/26 vs Cornerstone Charter Academy | 3 |
| 04/16/26 vs Vandalia Christian | 2 |
| 04/14/26 @ Morehead | 2 |
| 04/06/26 vs Corvian Community | 2 |
| 03/31/26 @ McMichael | 2 |
| + 9 more games |
Rockingham County let Hudson Deel and Brady Hicks run wild. Deel went 2-for-4 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs, while Hicks went a perfect 2-for-2 with three RBI, two runs, and one stolen base. Deel has become a key player for Rockingham County: the team is 10-1 when he posts at least two runs, but 3-4 otherwise. Another player making a difference was Chase Holcomb, who got on base in all three of his plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
Rockingham County always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .697. The last time their OBP was this high was back in April of 2025.
Meanwhile, Morehead fought the good fight in their extra-innings matchup against Rockingham County on Tuesday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell just short of the Cougars by a score of 5-3. The Panthers' loss signaled the end of their four-game winning streak.
Judson Friese was cooking despite his team's loss, getting on base in three of his five plate appearances with one stolen base and one run. Jacob Sands was another key player, going 1-for-3 with two RBI and one double.
Rockingham County is on a roll lately: they've won three of their last four games. That's provided a nice bump to their 13-5 record this season. As for Morehead, their defeat dropped their record down to 14-6.
Friday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Rockingham County hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .351. However, it's not like Morehead struggles in that department as they've averaged .319. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Rockingham County skirted past Morehead 5-3 when the teams last played on Tuesday. Do the Cougars have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Panthers turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
