Union Pines is 1-9 against Pinecrest since April of 2017 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Tuesday. The Vikings are taking a road trip to challenge the Patriots at 7:00 p.m.
Things were looking good for Union Pines after they put the first run on the board on Wednesday, but unfortunately for them things went downhill from there. They fell 6-3 to West Johnston.
Preston Whitaker made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and went 2-for-3 with two RBI, one run, and one double. Brodie Lyczkowski was another key player, going 1-for-3 with two stolen bases and one RBI.
Pinecrest came out on top against Hoggard on Wednesday thanks in part to the team's impressive nine-run first inning. The Patriots put the hurt on the Vikings with a sharp 11-5 victory. The high-scoring effort was just what the Patriots needed considering they were shut out in their previous game.
The team relied heavily on Liam Dutton, who got on base in four of his five plate appearances with one stolen base, one run, and one double. Another player making a difference was Will Chopping, who went 1-for-3 with two runs and two RBI.
Pinecrest has been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 14-7 record this season. The wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 7.2 runs over those games. As for Union Pines, their defeat dropped their record down to 8-11.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Union Pines has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.8 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Pinecrest struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 8 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Union Pines suffered a grim 12-4 defeat to Pinecrest in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Can the Vikings avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
