Cloudland took a nine-run defeat the last time they faced off against Bethel Christian Academy, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Highlanders had just enough and edged out the Crusaders 4-3 on Thursday. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Highlanders have posted since April 3, 2025.
Walker Gouge
| 04/16/26 vs Bethel Christian Academy | 7 |
| 04/03/25 vs Unaka | 4 |
| 04/07/26 @ Hampton | 3 |
| 04/02/26 vs Johnson County | 2 |
| 03/23/26 @ Unaka | 2 |
Brayden Whitaker and Walker Gouge made a splash no matter where they played. Throwing, Whitaker struck out seven batters over 3.1 innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off one hit. Meanwhile, Gouge struck out seven batters over 3.2 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and only one walk). Those seven strikeouts gave him a new career-high. At the plate, Whitaker got on base in all four of his plate appearances with one run, while Gouge went 1-for-3 with two stolen bases and one run.
They weren't the only ones making solid contact as two players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Bo Wilson, who went 1-for-3 with two RBI. Those two RBI gave him a new career-high.
Cloudland's first win this season bumped their record up to 1-12. As for Bethel Christian Academy, they are on a 17-game losing streak (dating back to last season) that has dropped them down to 0-11.
Looking ahead, Cloudland will challenge Happy Valley at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. The Highlanders will need to watch out since the Warriors have now posted at least ten runs in their last three matchups. As for Bethel Christian Academy, they will square off against Non Varsity Opponent at 4:30 p.m. on Friday.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
