Baseball Preview: Jackson Prep Patriots vs. Jackson Academy Raiders
Jackson Prep is 9-1 against Jackson Academy since April of 2021, and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Tuesday. The Jackson Prep Patriots will play host again on Tuesday to welcome the Jackson Academy Raiders, where first pitch is scheduled at 6:30 p.m. Both teams come into the contest bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Jackson Prep is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Mississippi's top teams: Presbyterian Christian, who was ranked seventh in their home state at the time (Jackson Prep was ranked first). Jackson Prep came out on top in a nail-biter against Presbyterian Christian on Friday and snuck past 7-6. Seven seems to be a good number for Jackson Prep as the squad scooped up a victory with the same number of runs in their previous game.
Matthew McKinley made a splash no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. McKinley has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive pitching appearances. McKinley was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with a triple and two RBI.
In other pitching news, Reid Vineyard looked comfortable as he pitched an inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two walks in eight consecutive pitching appearances.
Back at the plate, Konnor Griffin was incredible, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while going 4-for-4. He is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as he's now stolen at least one in the last five games he's played. Cole Gideon was another key contributor, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-4.
Meanwhile, Jackson Academy beat St. Joseph Catholic 8-4 on Friday.
Jackson Prep pushed their record up to 32-2 with that win, which was their 15th straight at home. As for Jackson Academy, their victory ended a five-game drought at home and bumped them up to 13-15-1.
Jackson Prep took their win against Jackson Academy in their previous matchup back in April of 2023 by a conclusive 7-0. Will Jackson Prep repeat their success, or does Jackson Academy have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
