Ben L. Smith extended their losing streak (dating back to last season) to eight on Wednesday, dropping them down to 0-3. They lost 18-7 to the High Point Central Bison. The Golden Eagles were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Bison apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in April of 2025.
Nelson Johnson put in work while hitting and pitching. He tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Johnson was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with three stolen bases.
In other batting news, Dameon Jackson stepped up to lead a balanced group of hitters: he went 1-for-3 with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base. Another player making a difference was Yadiel Aristy, who went 2-for-4 with two doubles, one stolen base, and one run.
High Point Central's first win this season bumped their record up to 1-4. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest victory they have posted against Ben L. Smith since April 8, 2022.
Like Ben L. Smith, High Point Central also got a great game from a two-way player: Bryant Almanzar. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out ten batters over six innings while giving up three earned (and four unearned) runs off five hits. Almanzar was even better at the plate, getting on base in five of his six plate appearances with four stolen bases and four runs. Those stolen bases were his first of the season.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Zachariah Jernigan, who got on base in four of his five plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI. Those runs marked the first that he has scored this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Angel Leach, who got on base in two of his five plate appearances with three RBI, two runs, and one stolen base.
Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming contests. Ben L. Smith will challenge Southwest Guilford at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. The Cowboys have struggled to contain batters this season (they've allowed eight runs per game on average), something the Golden Eagles will no doubt try to take advantage of. As for High Point Central, they will take on Montgomery Central at 6:00 p.m. on Friday.
