The Von Steuben Panthers are taking a road trip to challenge the Jones Eagles at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. Von Steuben knows how to get runs on the board -- the team has finished with ten runs or more in their past four contests -- so hopefully Jones likes a good challenge.
Von Steuben is probably headed into the matchup with a chip on their shoulder considering Rickover Naval just ended the team's three-game winning streak on Friday. They lost 21-11 to the Seadragons.
Von Steuben got a massive performance out of Annayeli Blanco, who scored a run and stole two bases while going 2-for-2. Blanco also put up a double, which was her first of the season. Avery Cunningham was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing three bases while going 1-for-3.
Meanwhile, Jones is still undefeated this season after their game against Mather on Friday, but Mather came as close as anyone has to beating them. The Eagles came within a single run of losing the streak, but they secured a 5-4 W against the Rangers. While the Eagles didn't have the best season last year (they finished 8-16), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past.
Anna Black spent all five innings played on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and three unearned) runs on four hits and racked up nine Ks. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Jones got a massive performance out of Julissa Galvez, who went 2-for-3 with three stolen bases, three RBI, and one double. Those three stolen bases gave Galvez a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Delaney Treccia, who scored two runs and stole two bases while going 1-for-3.
Jones pushed their record up to 5-0 with the win, which was their third straight on the road. Those road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 15.7 runs over those games. As for Von Steuben, their loss dropped their record down to 3-2.
Monday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Von Steuben has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .599. However, it's not like Jones struggles in that department as they've averaged .591. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Von Steuben couldn't quite finish off Jones in their previous meeting back in March of 2023 and fell 12-10. Can the Panthers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
