The O'Neal School Falcons are taking a road trip to face off against the Freedom Christian Academy Patriots at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. The O'Neal School will be strutting in after a win while Freedom Christian Academy will be coming in after a defeat.
While The O'Neal School's victory against Northwood Temple Academy wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. The O'Neal School won by a run and slipped past Northwood Temple Academy 6-5. The win continues a trend for the Falcons in their matchups with the Eagles: they've now won four in a row.
Jake Shepherd made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he struck out six batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit (and only one walk). Shepherd was also big at the plate, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with one home run, two runs, and one stolen base. He also brought in two RBI, marking his first of the season.
In other batting news, Max Pashley was excellent, scoring a run and stealing a base while getting on base in four of his five plate appearances. He also brought in an RBI, marking his first of the season.
Meanwhile, after soaring to 20 runs the game before, Freedom Christian Academy was a bit more limited in their game on Thursday. They took a 4-1 hit to the loss column at the hands of Wake County HomeSchool. The loss continues a trend for the Patriots in their meetings with the Warriors: they've now lost five in a row.
Alonzo Webster made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and went 1-for-2 with one home run and one stolen base. He has been hot recently, having posted at least one stolen base the last three times he's played.
Freedom Christian Academy's defeat dropped their record down to 5-2. As for The O'Neal School, their victory (their first of the season) made their record 1-3.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Friday as neither team is afraid to steal. The O'Neal School has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 2.8 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Freedom Christian Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging 4.3 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
The O'Neal School suffered a grim 7-0 defeat to Freedom Christian Academy when the teams last played last Tuesday. Can The O'Neal School avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
