Baseball Game Preview: J.L. Mann Patriots vs. Hillcrest Rams

J.L. Mann hasn't had much luck against Hillcrest recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Patriots will welcome the Rams at 6:30 p.m. The last four games J.L. Mann has played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.

J.L. Mann took a loss when they played away from home on Tuesday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Thursday. They had just enough and edged out Fountain Inn 3-2.

Matthew McAdams

Batters Struck Out

04/03/25 vs Fountain Inn	4
03/25/25 vs Woodmont	1
03/18/25 @ Greenville	3
03/11/25 vs Easley	7

Matthew McAdams looked comfortable as he tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. What's more, he posted four strikeouts, the most he's had since back in March.

At the plate, J.L. Mann saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Griffin King, who scored a run while going 1-for-4. Ashley Shiffer was another, going 2-for-3 with one double and one RBI.

Meanwhile, Hillcrest fell victim to Clover and their airtight pitching crew on Wednesday. They lost 7-0 to the Blue Eagles. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest loss the Rams have suffered since April 17, 2024.

J.L. Mann pushed their record up to 9-6 with the win, which was their fifth straight at home. Those home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.2 runs on average over those games. As for Hillcrest, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost five of their last six games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 7-8 record this season.