Baseball Game Preview: Ayer Shirley Panthers vs. Tahanto Regional Stags

Ayer Shirley and Tahanto Regional are an even 5-5 against one another since April of 2019, but likely not for long. The Panthers will be playing at home against the Stags at 3:30 p.m. on Friday.

Ayer Shirley fought the good fight in their extra-innings matchup against Maynard on Wednesday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell just short of the Tigers by a score of 7-6.

Bobby Manchester made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and went 1-for-4 with one stolen base and two RBI.

Meanwhile, Tahanto Regional took care of business in their home opener (barely) on Wednesday. They had just enough and edged out Narragansett Regional 4-3.

Connor Rice was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he struck out six batters over 5.2 innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off five hits. Rice was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run and stealing four bases while getting on base in all three of his plate appearances.

Rice wasn't the only one making solid contact as four players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Trevor Keefe, who scored a run and stole a base while going 1-for-2.

Ayer Shirley took their win against Tahanto Regional in their previous matchup back in May of 2024 by a conclusive 12-2 score. Will the Panthers repeat their success, or do the Stags have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.