The Plymouth Panthers will venture away from home to face off against the Oostburg Flying Dutchmen at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. Plymouth has given up an average of 6.7 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Plymouth is probably headed into the match with a chip on their shoulder considering Manitowoc Lincoln just ended the team's four-game winning streak on Friday. They lost 14-4 to the Ships.
Cole Kuhn was cooking despite his team's loss, going 2-for-3 with two stolen bases and one run.
Oostburg came out on top against Sheboygan Falls on Saturday thanks in part to the team's impressive seven-run first inning. The Flying Dutchmen were the clear victors by a 12-2 margin over the Falcons. The Flying Dutchmen not only won on Saturday, but they posted their biggest win since April 21st (when they won 16-6).
Caden Helmer was a major factor no matter where he played. On the mound, he struck out six batters over five innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off two hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in three consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with two runs.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Caeden Steuerwald, who went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI. Oostburg is 2-1 when Steuerwald posts two or more runs, but 4-9 otherwise. Levi Mills also deserves some recognition as he brought in his first RBI of the season.
Oostburg was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .444. That's the best batting average they've posted all season.
Plymouth's defeat dropped their record down to 7-7. As for Oostburg, their win ended a three-game drought at home and bumped them up to 6-10.
Oostburg's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Plymouth hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .330. It's a different story for Oostburg, though, as they've only averaged .223. Will they be able to contain Plymouth's hitters?
Plymouth was able to grind out a solid victory over Oostburg when the teams last played back in May of 2024, winning 4-1. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Panthers since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
