Baseball Game Preview: Springfield Tigers vs. McDonald Blue Devils

The Springfield Tigers will challenge the McDonald Blue Devils at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (Springfield 3.5, McDonald 2.4) so any runs scored will be well earned.

Springfield took an eight-run loss the last time they faced off against Mineral Ridge, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Tigers narrowly escaped with a victory as the squad sidled past the Rams 3-1. The win was a breath of fresh air for the Tigers as it put an end to their three-game losing streak.

Jaxon Minetti made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he struck out six batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned run off five hits. Minetti was also big at the plate, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with one double. He also put up a hit, which was his first of the season.

Minetti wasn't the only one making solid contact as four players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Jackson Ensley, who went 1-for-2 with one stolen base and one RBI. Another was Brock Masello, who got on base in two of his three plate appearances with one stolen base and one run.

Meanwhile, after a string of three wins, McDonald's good fortune finally ran out on Thursday. They fell 8-3 to Austintown-Fitch.

Jaxson Candel made the most of his time in the batter's box despite the final result and went a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs and two doubles. Jordan Perry was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two RBI and one double.

Springfield's victory bumped their record up to 7-4. As for McDonald, their defeat dropped their record down to 8-3.

Springfield beat McDonald 6-2 in their previous matchup back in April of 2025. Do the Tigers have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Blue Devils turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.