Kinston is 0-10 against North Lenoir since May of 2019 but things could change on Monday. The Vikings will look to take advantage of their home field for the first time this season as they take on the Hawks at 4:00 p.m. Kinston has given up an average of 16.4 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Kinston is headed into Monday's contest looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their 25th straight game dating back to last season last Tuesday. They came up short against Wallace-Rose Hill, falling 16-0.
Meanwhile, North Lenoir waltzed into their matchup last Thursday with four straight wins... but they left with five. They blew past the Panthers 7-1. The Hawks might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won ten games by six runs or more this season.
Maddie Rouse made a big impact no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing seven innings while giving up just one earned run off seven hits. She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in eight consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going a perfect 1-for-1 with two runs, one triple, and two RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Lakyn Whitley, who went 1-for-2 with two stolen bases and two runs. She is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now snagged at least one in each of the last four games she's played. Another player making a difference was Jayla Ross, who went 1-for-3 with two RBI and one double.
North Lenoir was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .421. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .345 or higher in five consecutive contests.
North Lenoir pushed their record up to 12-2 with the win, which was their fourth straight at home. Those home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.0 run on average over those games. As for Kinston, their defeat dropped their record down to 0-10.
Kinston might still be hurting after the 15-0 loss they got from North Lenoir in their previous meeting back in March. Will the Vikings have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
