Yazoo County hasn't had much luck against Manchester Academy recently, but that could start to change on Saturday. The Panthers will host the Mavericks at 1:00 p.m. Yazoo County is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 9.2 runs per game this season.
Yazoo County proved they can win big on Tuesday (they won by six) and on Thursday they proved they can win the close ones too. They skirted past Humphreys County 8-6. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Panthers have posted since March 20th.
TJ Rials was a major factor no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run while striking out six over 5.2 innings pitched. He has been consistent : he hasn't given up more than one earned run in eight consecutive appearances. He was also stellar in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with one home run, three RBI, and one stolen base.
In other batting news, Will Andrews was excellent, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-3. Another player making a difference was Chris Rials, who scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-4.
Meanwhile, Manchester Academy came up short against Washington on Thursday and fell 7-3.
Jon Parker Dees was cooking despite his team's loss, scoring a run and stealing three bases while going 1-for-2. The team also got some help courtesy of Grant Nixon, who scored a run and stole a base while going 1-for-1.
Yazoo County is on a roll lately: they've won seven of their last eight contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 16-8 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 14.3 runs over those games. As for Manchester Academy, their defeat ended a six-game streak of away wins and brought them to 26-8.
Saturday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Yazoo County has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .488. However, it's not like Manchester Academy struggles in that department as they've averaged .474. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Yazoo County might still be hurting after the 17-0 loss they got from Manchester Academy in their previous matchup back in February. Will the Panthers have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
