Baseball Game Preview: Jackson Center Tigers vs. Upper Scioto Valley Rams

The Jackson Center Tigers will take on the Upper Scioto Valley Rams at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. The last three games Jackson Center has played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.

Jackson Center made up a huge gap compared to their last game against Russia, but they still couldn't quite topple them. The Tigers fell just short of the Raiders by a score of 3-1 on Thursday. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest loss the Tigers have suffered since April 22, 2024.

Eli Prenger

Earned Runs

05/01/25 vs Russia	1
04/26/25 @ Lehman Catholic	1
04/17/25 vs Fort Loramie	1
04/12/25 vs Anna	1
04/07/25 @ Russia	0

Eli Prenger spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered only one earned (and two unearned) runs on two hits. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in five consecutive appearances.

On the hitting side, Jackson Center saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Blake Noble, who went 1-for-2 with one run and one double. That double marked the first that Noble has hit this season.

Meanwhile, Upper Scioto Valley was not able to break out of their rough patch on Tuesday as the team picked up their third straight defeat. They came up short against Hardin Northern, falling 13-1.

Jackson Center has been struggling recently as they've lost seven of their last nine contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 4-9 record this season. As for Upper Scioto Valley, their loss dropped their record down to 4-8.

Jackson Center came out on top in a nail-biter against Upper Scioto Valley in their previous matchup back in April of 2024, sneaking past 4-2. Do the Tigers have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Rams turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.