ROCKINGHAM — When called upon this past week, a junior super-utility player for the Richmond Senior High School baseball team did everything he needed to in order to help the Raiders.
Evan Hodges, a junior pitcher, catcher and infielder, has been named the Official Richmond County Male Student-Athlete of the Week.
The Raiders started Sandhills Athletic Conference play with a two-game series against Southern Lee High School and also played a non-conference game against Myers Park High School.
Getting the job done on the mound and at the plate, Hodges earned his second career recognition. He was also recognized during Week 2 of the football season this school year.
Athletic Profile: Evan Hodges
Year: Junior
Spring sport: Baseball
Positions: Pitcher, catcher, infielder
Varsity experience: 2 Seasons
Other sports: Football
Junior pitcher Evan Hodges delivers a pitch during his win in Saturday’s game against Myers Park. (Kyle Pillar/The Richmond Observer)
“CLASSROOM CREDITS” WITH EVAN HODGES
When he’s not putting in the work on the diamond, Hodges puts all his other effort into succeeding in the classroom, something he said takes priority to baseball or football.
Like many student-athletes at Richmond, Hodges participates in the dual enrollment program in conjunction with Richmond Community College. Working toward earning college credits, Hodges said it’s a bonus to help him get ahead.
During the fall semester, Hodges made the A/B Honor Roll. He earned high marks in Electrical Trades I Honors (100), Weight Training Honors (99) and AP United States Government (98). Taking Math 171 at RichmondCC, Hodges finished the course with an 87.
Off to a strong start to the spring semester, Hodges is enrolled in two courses at the college — Art 111 and Math 172. During his two blocks at Richmond, he’s taking English III Honors and Weight Training Honors.
An active member of the National Beta Club, Hodges was recently tapped to be inducted into the National Honor Society later this spring. He currently has a 4.350 weighted grade point average and is ranked in the top 20 of the class of 2026.
“DIALED IN” WITH EVAN HODGES
Richmond won two of its three games last week, splitting its series with Southern Lee and completing a comeback against Myers Park.
In those three games, Hodges went 4-for-11 at the dish and was tied with teammate Drew Gause with a .364 batting average to lead the team. He barreled three singles and added a double.
Hodges drove in two runs across the three games and had a slugging percentage of .455.
Making one appearance on the mound, Hodges helped the Raiders erase a five-run deficit and defeat the Mustangs 6-5 in nine innings. He threw 6.1 innings of scoreless relief and allowed just two hits and walked three batters.
Using his defense to his benefit, Hodges got out of a couple of jams, including a two-on, no-out pickle in the fourth inning. He sat Myers Park down in order in the sixth and seventh frames and got the final out in the ninth by picking off a runner at first base.
In a 7-2 win over Southern Lee, Hodges had two base hits and drove in a run. He had one of Richmond’s four hits, a double, in a 1-0 loss to the Cavaliers in the series finale.
Hodges’ final hit of the week came as part of a five-run third inning against Myers Park. He roped an RBI line drive single to the opposite field to plate a run and cut the deficit to 5-4 at the time.
The Raiders (3-3, 1-1 SAC) begin a pivotal conference series with Pinecrest High School (3-2, 0-0 SAC) Tuesday on the road. First pitch is at 7 p.m.
“RAPID RESPONSE” VIDEO WITH EVAN HODGES
VIDEO: Click here to watch Evan Hodges’ video interview.
The Richmond Observer will publish two more Official Richmond County Student-Athletes of the Week next week.
