Now More Than Ever: Shallywags Call on Fans to Rally After Six Straight Losses

SHALLOTTE, N.C—The tide has turned rough for the Shallotte Shallywags, who enter Wednesday night’s home matchup with a 11-13 record against the Jacksonville Ospreys, riding a six-game losing streak. After a tough road stretch filled with rainouts, close calls, and cold bats, the Shwags are back at Mike Alderson Field—and they’re calling on the hometown faithful to help reignite their season.

After dropping back-to-back home games to Laurinburg and Oak Island last week, things went from bad to worse for the Shallywags over the weekend as they were swept in a Saturday doubleheader by the Jacksonville Ospreys at Jack Amyette Park. One bright spot came in Game 1’s 3-1 loss, when infielder Branton Jernigan launched a solo home run to right in the top of the fourth inning. The rising senior, who previously played at UNC Greensboro and will transfer to UNC Pembroke this fall, became the first Shallywag this season to hit multiple home runs, with Saturday’s bomber marking his second of the year.

On Sunday in Hope Mills, the Shallywags nearly pulled off a miracle comeback after trailing 9–1. Fueled by a three-run homer to center from Cody Crafton—his first of the year—the Shallywags stormed back with a six-run fifth inning to take a 10–9 lead, only for the game to be canceled due to a thunderstorm with one out in the bottom of the fifth. Crafton also drew an RBI walk in the fifth, finishing the day with four RBIs. Michael Royston capped the comeback with a clutch two-run single, and despite tallying just seven hits to Hope Mills’ 12, Shallotte drew six walks to stay alive. But because the game didn’t go the full five innings, the comeback won’t count in the standings—though it offered a much-needed jolt of energy.

Monday night brought more heartbreak at Legion Park, where the Shallywags lost 5–4 to Laurinburg on a walk-off sacrifice fly. The Shallywags led 4–3 heading into the bottom of the ninth thanks to an earlier tag-up from Crafton, but Laurinburg answered with two sacrifice flies to end the game. Ryan Yaroshuk provided an early spark with a solo home run in the second inning—his first of the year—and Jacob Koenig added an RBI single in the third. Despite a quality 7.2-inning start from Brent Avery, Shallotte couldn’t hang on late.

The losing streak extended to six games on Tuesday in an 8–4 defeat to the Sandhills Bogeys at Dempsey Diamond. Once again, Branton Jernigan led the way offensively, going 3-for-4 with a single, double, and another solo homer in the eighth—his third of the season. Left fielder Jacob Koenig also joined the home run column with a solo shot of his own in the same inning, his first of the year. Trey Pierce, Jude Morton, and Michael Royston each had multi-hit nights as the Shallywags matched Sandhills with 13 hits, but the early 7–2 deficit proved too steep to climb.

With the regular season winding down and the playoff race tightening, every game carries more weight—and the Shallywags need their fans now more than ever. After a tough stretch on the road, Shallotte returns home to Mike Alderson Field on Wednesday night for a critical matchup against the Jacksonville Ospreys. It's a chance to snap the losing streak, defend home turf, and get back on track with the postseason looming. First pitch is set for 7:00 PM—so grab your gear, bring the energy, and come pack the stands. Let’s fill the ballpark and remind everyone what home-field advantage in Shallotte is all about!

Fans can get tickets for Friday’s matchup at the gate of West Brunswick High School’s Mike Alderson Field, located at 550 Whiteville Rd NW, or online at www.shallotteshallywags.com. The game will be streamed live on the Foul Pole Sports Network at fpsn.watch.