Lawrence County is 0-8 against Columbia since March of 2015 but things could change on Friday. The Cougars will welcome the Wildcats at 7:00 p.m. Lawrence County is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 9.9 runs per game this season.
Last Friday, Lawrence County made easy work of Richland and carried off a 15-1 victory. The win continues a trend for the Cougars in their matchups with the Rangers: they've now won three in a row.
Weston Dunaway
| 04/11/25 vs Richland | 4 |
| 03/17/25 @ Bogue Chitto | 3 |
| 03/01/25 vs Bogue Chitto | 2 |
| 02/28/25 vs Columbia | 2 |
| 03/28/25 @ Raymond | 1 |
Weston Dunaway made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. He also tossed no walks, which is notable because Lawrence County is 4-1 when he allows at most one walk, but 8-9 otherwise. Dunaway was also stellar in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with one home run and four RBI. Those four RBI gave him a new career-high.
In other batting news, Lawrence County got a massive performance out of Caden Case, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with three runs and four RBI. Those four RBI gave Case a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Grey Boyd, who scored three runs and stole three bases while getting on base in all three of his plate appearances.
Lawrence County always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .739. They are 9-1 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Meanwhile, Columbia didn't have quite enough to beat Amite School Center on Monday and fell 9-8.
Like Lawrence County, Columbia also got a great game from a two-way player: MT Breland. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching 1.1 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Breland has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than two hits in eight consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, scoring two runs and stealing a base while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances.
In other batting news, JP Haddox was cooking despite his team's loss, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with two RBI.
Lawrence County's victory was their sixth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 12-10. Those home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.8 runs on average over those games. As for Columbia, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost six of their last eight games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 15-10 record this season.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Friday as neither team is afraid to steal. Lawrence County has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.5 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Columbia struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 4.3 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Lawrence County came up short against Columbia when the teams last played back in February, falling 12-9. Can the Cougars avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
