Warbirds Squander Late Lead in Loss to Hickory

Mercedes Turns in Outstanding Start

August 26, 2026

WILSON, N.C. - The Wilson Warbirds were unable to hold on to a late 3-0 lead, falling 8-3 to the Hickory Crawdads on Wednesday night at Wilson Ballpark. Wilson (64-56, 28-26 second half) struck first in the bottom of the third inning, pushing across three runs. Kyle Jones started the

WILSON, N.C. - The Wilson Warbirds were unable to hold on to a late 3-0 lead, falling 8-3 to the Hickory Crawdads on Wednesday night at Wilson Ballpark.

Wilson (64-56, 28-26 second half) struck first in the bottom of the third inning, pushing across three runs. Kyle Jones started the scoring by plating a run with a single, and a hustle double by Brailyn Antunez brought in two more.

Miqueas Mercedes put together the best start of the year for the Warbirds, throwing seven shutout innings while scattering just four hits.

In the top of the eighth, Hickory tied the game by scoring three runs on a two-run homer from Marco Argudin and an RBI knock by Brandon Crabtree.

Hickory wasn’t finished, pouring on five in the top of the ninth inning. Curley Martha gave the Crawdads the lead with a two-RBI double to left field off of Andrew Gaines (L, 0-1). Wolfram Castillo put the finishing touches on the win with a two-run blast to deep left field.

Will Whelan (W, 1-0) shut the Warbirds down in the ninth to secure an 8-3 victory.

The Warbirds and Crawdads play again tomorrow at 7:05 p.m. RHP Diustin Mayorquin (3-1, 3.58) has the ball for Wilson, throwing against RHP Evan Siary (6-3, 3.09) for Hickory. Tickets for tomorrow’s contest are available at WilsonWarbirds.com or by calling (919) 269-2287.