Baseball Game Preview: Highland Tech Rams vs. Draughn Wildcats

The Highland Tech Rams will take on the Draughn Wildcats on Friday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.

Highland Tech is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Tuesday. They were the clear victors by a 10-4 margin over Bethany Community. The victory was some much needed relief for the Rams as it spelled an end to their three-game losing streak.

Trey Costner was incredible, going 3-for-4 with three RBI, two runs, and two doubles. That's the most doubles he has posted since back in March. Another player making a difference was Zane Milstead, who went 1-for-2 with one run and one double.

Highland Tech was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .484. That's the best batting average they've posted all season.

Meanwhile, Draughn got the win against Gray Stone Day on Tuesday by a conclusive 11-1. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Wildcats.

Draughn got a massive performance out of Jacob Mull, who went 1-for-2 with one home run and two RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Gage Dula, who went 1-for-2 with four stolen bases and two runs.

Draughn pushed their record up to 14-8 with the win, which was their ninth straight at home. The home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 8.9 runs over those games. As for Highland Tech, their win bumped their record up to 11-12.

The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Highland Tech has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Draughn struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 9.5 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.

Highland Tech might still be hurting after the 10-0 defeat they got from Draughn in their previous matchup back in May of 2022. Can the Rams avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.