Panthers
| 04/30/26 vs South Lenoir | 4 |
| 04/28/26 @ South Lenoir | 6 |
| 04/22/26 @ Pender | 14 |
| 04/21/26 vs Pender | 10 |
| 04/17/26 @ Clinton | 22 |
| + 15 more games |
The East Duplin Panthers will face off against the First Flight Nighthawks at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. East Duplin is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 9 runs per game this season.
East Duplin is probably headed into the contest with a chip on their shoulder considering South Lenoir just ended the team's six-game winning streak on Thursday. They fell just short of the Blue Devils by a score of 5-4. Panthers fans who chose to attend the game sure picked the wrong one: it was the first time the team has lost against the Blue Devils since Thursday.
East Duplin saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Ansley Hunter, who went 1-for-4 with two RBI.
Meanwhile, with a playoff win on the line, First Flight rose to the challenge on Tuesday. They walked away with a 5-2 victory over the Stallions. The win was a breath of fresh air for the Nighthawks as it put an end to their three-game losing streak.
Riley Gilreath spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned runs on eight hits. She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 13 consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Avery Winslow was incredible, going 2-for-4 with one home run and three RBI. Molly Richards was another key player, going 2-for-4 with one triple, one run, and one RBI.
First Flight was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .429. They are a perfect 7-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
First Flight's victory bumped their record up to 10-8. As for East Duplin, their defeat dropped their record down to 17-3.
Friday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. East Duplin hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .368. However, it's not like First Flight struggles in that department as they've averaged .325. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
