John Paul II Catholic is 0-3 against Wake Christian Academy since April of 2023 but things could change on Thursday. The Saints are taking a road trip to square off against the Bulldogs at 6:30 p.m. John Paul II Catholic is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.7 runs per game this season.
John Paul II Catholic is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Tuesday. Their pitcher stepped up to hand St. David's a 10-0 shutout. The high-scoring effort was just what the Saints needed considering they were shut out in their previous game.
James Donofrio
| 03/25/25 vs Epiphany | 3 |
| 05/06/25 vs St. David's | 2 |
| 04/23/25 vs North East Carolina Prep | 2 |
| 03/13/25 @ Coastal Christian | 2 |
| 03/03/25 vs GRACE Christian | 2 |
| + 8 more games |
James Donofrio was a major factor no matter where he played. On the mound, he didn't allow a single earned run while striking out nine over five innings pitched. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in five consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base. He has become a key player for John Paul II Catholic: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 8-9 otherwise.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Joseph Caporosssi, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with three stolen bases, two runs, and one double. That's the most stolen bases he has posted since back in March. JT Williams was another key player, going a perfect 1-for-1 with two RBI, one run, and one double.
John Paul II Catholic always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .517. They are a perfect 6-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Meanwhile, after soaring to 12 runs the game before, Wake Christian Academy was a bit more limited in their match on Friday. They fell just short of Thales Academy Rolesville by a score of 2-1.
Carter Collins made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and went 2-for-4 with one home run. That home run marked the first that he has launched this season.
John Paul II Catholic has been performing well recently as they've won six of their last eight contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 14-9 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.6 runs on average over those games. As for Wake Christian Academy, their loss ended an eight-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 16-7.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. John Paul II Catholic has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Wake Christian Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 7.6 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
