Baseball Game Preview: Stevenson Patriots vs. Mundelein Mustangs

The Stevenson Patriots will take on the Mundelein Mustangs at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Stevenson is coming into the matchup on a three-game losing streak.

Stevenson will face Mundelein after dropping another heartbreaker against New Trier last Saturday, which marked the second time in a row the team's come within 2.1 of beating them. The Patriots lost 8-0 to the Trevians. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest defeat the Patriots have suffered since April 16th.

Stevenson got a good showing from Sam Prosk, who pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Those zero hits allowed gave Prosk a new career-low.

Mundelein came out on top against Palatine on Saturday thanks in part to the team's impressive eight-run first inning. The Mustangs took their game against the Pirates 8-4. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Mustangs.

Mundelein also got a great performance from Joey Kafka as he didn't allow a single earned run over five innings pitched. Kafka has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances.

At the plate, Brandon Marano and Johnny Weiss did most of the damage at the plate: Marano went 2-for-4 with three RBI and one double, while Weiss went 1-for-3 with two runs and two RBI. That's the most RBI Weiss has posted since back in March. Another player making a difference was Nick Szalony, who went 2-for-4 with one run and one RBI.

Mundelein's victory bumped their record up to 23-10-2. As for Stevenson, their loss dropped their record down to 16-18.

The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Wednesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Stevenson has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.3 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Mundelein struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.

Stevenson couldn't quite get it done against Mundelein in their previous meeting back in April as they fell 8-3. Will the Patriots have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other baseball content.