Rams
| 05/09/26 vs Haxtun | 18 |
| 05/09/26 vs Wiley | 8 |
| 05/02/26 vs Haxtun | 3 |
| 05/02/26 @ Akron | 13 |
| 04/29/26 vs Peetz | 13 |
| + 18 more games |
Merino will challenge Akron at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday. Merino is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 9.6 runs per game this season.
Merino is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Saturday. They skirted past Haxtun 18-16. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Rams have posted against the Ftng Bulldogs since April 13, 2024.
Merino let Zachary Mackintosh and Zavier Trenkle run wild. Mackintosh went 1-for-7 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs, while Trenkle went 3-for-5 with one home run, four runs, and four RBI. That's the most hits Trenkle has posted since back in April. Isaac Poe was another key player, getting on base in five of his six plate appearances with three runs and one RBI.
They weren't the only ones making solid contact: Merino kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 16 hits. That's the most hits they've managed all season.
Meanwhile, Akron was able to grind out a solid win over McClave on Saturday, taking the game 6-3. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Rams.
Jax Kusel and Mason Porteus were major factors while hitting and pitching. Throwing, Kusel pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Meanwhile, Porteus tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. He has been consistent: he hasn't given up a single earned run in five consecutive appearances. At bat, Kusel went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI, while Porteus went 2-for-3 with one triple, one run, and one double.
They weren't the only ones making solid contact as four players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Jakzon Livesay, who went 1-for-3 with one run and one RBI.
Merino's record is now 15-8. As for Akron, their record now sits at 15-6.
Thursday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Merino has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .432. However, it's not like Akron struggles in that department as they've averaged .459. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Merino got the 'W' when the teams last played last Saturday against Akron by a conclusive 13-2 score. Will Merino repeat their success, or does Akron has a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
