Durham Academy had lost seven straight at home dating back to last season, but on Thursday they dropped down to 0-9 to make it eight. They fell 8-3 to the Franklin Academy Patriots. If the Cavaliers were looking for revenge after losing 12-2 to the Patriots when the teams met back in May of 2019, then they'll just have to keep looking.
Benjamin Kuo and Collin Hernandez did some serious damage despite the final result: Kuo went 3-for-4 with one run, one double, and one RBI, while Hernandez got on base in three of his four plate appearances with one run, one double, and one RBI. That double marked the first that Kuo has hit this season.
As for Franklin Academy, the win (which was their fourth in a row) raised their record to 4-2. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.5 runs over those games.
On Franklin Academy's side, Evan Bailey made a splash no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, tossing six innings while giving up just two earned runs off seven hits. Bailey was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in two of his four plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base.
In other batting news, Josh Merson was incredible, going 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI. He is becoming a predictor of Franklin Academy's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 1-2 when he doesn't). Charles Honse was another key player, going 2-for-5 with two stolen bases and three RBI.
Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming matchups. Durham Academy will venture away from home to square off against North Raleigh Christian Academy at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. As for Franklin Academy, they will face off against Thales Academy Rolesville at 3:00 p.m. on Friday. The Patriots' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Knights have averaged an impressive 8 runs per game this season.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
