The Riverside-Durham Pirates will challenge the Cary Imps at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. Riverside-Durham has given up an average of 10 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Riverside-Durham is headed into Thursday's contest looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their third straight games on Wednesday. They fell 13-9 to Person.
Paisley Russell and Grace Arrington did some serious damage despite the final result: Russell went 3-for-4 with three RBI, two runs, and one stolen base, while Arrington went 3-for-4 with three runs, one triple, and one stolen base. That triple marked the first that Arrington has hit this season. Another player making a difference was Mairead Franklin, who went 3-for-5 with three RBI.
Meanwhile, Cary hadn't done well against Holly Springs recently (they were 1-8 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Tuesday. The Imps had just enough and edged out the Golden Hawks 15-14. The game was the first time the Imps have beaten the Golden Hawks on their field since March 22, 2022.
Makenzie Watkins made a big impact no matter where she played. She tossed 2.2 innings while giving up just one earned (and three unearned) runs off four hits. What's more, she posted four strikeouts, the most she's had since back in April of 2025. She was also big at the plate, getting on base in four of her five plate appearances with two RBI and one run.
In other batting news, Cary let Riley Cassidy and Catherine Baker run wild. Cassidy got on base in four of her six plate appearances with three RBI and two runs, while Baker went 1-for-5 with four RBI and one run. What's more, Cassidy posted two hits, the most she's had since back in April of 2025. Mady Kyte was another key player, going 2-for-5 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
Cary's victory ended a ten-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 3-3. As for Riverside-Durham, they now have a losing record of 2-3.
Riverside-Durham skirted past Cary 11-10 in their previous matchup two weeks ago. Will the Pirates repeat their success, or do the Imps have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
