Red Devils
| 04/03/25 @ Branford | 5 |
| 04/01/25 vs Bradford | 11 |
| 03/28/25 vs Chiefland | 7 |
| 03/27/25 vs Vanguard | 3 |
| 03/21/25 @ Bell | 2 |
| + 14 more games |
Williston is a perfect 5-0 against Hawthorne since March of 2016 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Friday. The Red Devils will square off against the Hornets at 7:00 p.m. Williston is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.4 runs per game this season.
Things were looking good for Williston after they put the first runs on the board on Thursday, but unfortunately for them things went downhill from there. They fell just short of Branford by a score of 6-5.
Waylon Geiger and Blake Martin stepped up to the plate in a big way. Geiger scored a run while going 2-for-3, while Martin scored a run and stole a base while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances. Breeden Clemenzi also deserves some recognition as he hit his first double of the season.
Meanwhile, after only one run in their last matchup, Hawthorne made sure to put some runs up on the board against Countryside Christian on Thursday. The Hornets put the hurt on the Minutemen with a sharp 17-9 win. Considering the Hornets have won seven games by more than five runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.
Branson Byrd made a splash no matter where he played. He tossed three innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up a single walk in three consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, scoring three runs and stealing a base while getting on base in all six of his plate appearances. He is becoming a predictor of Hawthorne's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 3-8 when he doesn't).
In other batting news, Hunter Thomas was a standout: he went 4-for-5 with four RBI and one double. Hawthorne is undefeated when Thomas posts three or more RBI, but 6-8 otherwise. Ethan Thomas was another key player, scoring two runs while going 4-for-6.
Hawthorne kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 20 hits. That's the most hits they've managed all season.
Williston's loss was their third straight on the road, which dropped their record down to 11-8. As for Hawthorne, their record now sits at 10-8.
Friday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Williston has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .432. However, it's not like Hawthorne struggles in that department as they've averaged .497. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Williston took their victory against Hawthorne in their previous meeting back in February by a conclusive 16-1 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Red Devils since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
