Baseball Game Preview: Winston Academy Patriots vs. Canton Academy Panthers

The Winston Academy Patriots will square off against the Canton Academy Panthers at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The timing is sure in Winston Academy's favor as the squad sits on seven straight wins at home while Canton Academy has been banged up by eight consecutive losses on the road dating back to last season.

For whatever reason, it's the away team that's had the advantage when Winston Academy and Carroll Academy meet (two straight games heading into this one) and that held true again on Wednesday. The Patriots blew past the Rebels 14-2. Considering the Patriots have won ten games by more than five runs this season, Wednesday's blowout was nothing new.

Ben Caperton

Runs Batted In (Career)

04/02/25 @ Carroll Academy	4
02/26/24 @ Indianola Academy	3
04/02/25 @ Carroll Academy	2
02/25/25 vs Indianola Academy	2
02/21/25 vs Benton Academy	2

Winston Academy let Ben Caperton and Holder Tidwell run wild. Caperton went 3-for-4 with three runs, four RBI, and one stolen base, while Tidwell scored three runs and stole three bases while going 3-for-3. Those four RBI gave Caperton a new career-high. Owen Woodward was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-3.

They weren't the only one making solid contact: Winston Academy kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 13 hits. That's the most hits they've managed all season.

Meanwhile, Canton Academy came up short against Tri-County Academy two weeks ago and fell 5-1.

Winston Academy has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won seven of their last eight matches. That's provided a nice bump to their 16-7 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.3 runs on average over those games. As for Canton Academy, their loss dropped their record down to 2-10.

Winston Academy couldn't quite get it done against Canton Academy when the teams last played back in April of 2024 as they fell 11-6. Will the Patriots have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.