The Southern Wayne Saints are taking a road trip to challenge the East Duplin Panthers at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. Both come into the contest bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Southern Wayne barely beat Fike the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. The Saints were the clear victors by a 9-1 margin over the Demons on Thursday. The victory was some much needed relief for the Saints as it spelled an end to their three-game losing streak.
Hayden Waller and Brayden McKee were major factors no matter where they played. Throwing, Waller tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, McKee didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits over five innings pitched. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive appearances. At the plate, Waller went 3-for-4 with three stolen bases, three runs, and one double, while McKee got on base in three of his four plate appearances with three runs, one double, and one RBI. That's the most stolen bases Waller has posted since back in April of 2024.
In other batting news, Tyler Odom was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three RBI, one run, and one double. That's the most RBI he has posted since back in March. The team also got some help courtesy of Austin Watson, who got on base in two of his four plate appearances with two stolen bases and one run.
Meanwhile, East Duplin entered their tilt with North Lenoir on Thursday with two consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with three. They came within a single run of losing the streak, but they secured a 5-4 W against the Hawks. The game was the first time the Panthers have beaten the Hawks on their field since April 12, 2022.
Austin Rouse and Sawyer Marshburn did most of the damage at the plate: Rouse went 1-for-3 with one home run and two RBI, while Marshburn went a perfect 3-for-3 with one double and one RBI. That home run was Rouse's first of the season.
Southern Wayne's record now sits at 6-12. As for East Duplin, their record is now 10-6.
Southern Wayne beat East Duplin 5-2 in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Saints since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
