The Laney Buccaneers will challenge the Swansboro Pirates at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. Keep an eye on the score for this one: the two teams posted some lofty run totals in their previous games.
While Buccaneers fans will have to keep waiting for their squad to come home, they shouldn't be too worried about the road trip considering the result of Wednesday's season opener. They were the clear victors by a 10-2 margin over Purnell Swett on Wednesday.
Jesse Smith looked comfortable as he struck out six batters over three innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits (and not a single walk). That's the most strikeouts he has posted since back in March of 2025.
JB Brooks
| 02/25/26 @ Purnell Swett | 3 |
| 05/01/25 @ Topsail | 2 |
| 04/08/25 @ South Brunswick | 2 |
| 03/15/25 @ Green Hope | 2 |
| 02/25/25 vs Purnell Swett | 2 |
At the plate, the team relied heavily on JB Brooks, who got on base in all four of his plate appearances with one home run, three runs, and four RBI. Those three runs gave him a new career-high. Carston Wedemeyer was another key player, getting on base in all five of his plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base.
For whatever reason, it's the away team that's had the advantage when Swansboro and White Oak meet (three straight games heading into this one) and that held true again on Wednesday. The Pirates blew past the Vikings 13-3.
DJ Schofield made a big impact no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out nine batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and not a single walk). Schofield was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI.
In other batting news, Mitchell LaRose was excellent, going 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, three RBI, and two runs. Another player making a difference was Zack Phillips, who went 1-for-3 with two stolen bases, two RBI, and one run.
Laney came up short against Swansboro when the teams last played back in March of 2025, falling 11-6. Can the Buccaneers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
