The Norwich Purple Tornado are taking a road trip to challenge the Sidney Team at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. Both come into the match bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Norwich took a loss when they played away from home on Tuesday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Friday. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 7-6 victory over Johnson City. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Purple Tornado have posted since April 8, 2024.
Graham Burton
| 05/16/25 vs Johnson City | 8 |
| 05/07/24 @ Owego Free Academy | 6 |
| 05/03/24 @ Johnson City | 6 |
| 04/14/25 vs Susquehanna Valley | 4 |
| 05/01/25 vs Susquehanna Valley | 3 |
Graham Burton made a big impact no matter where he played. He struck out eight batters over seven innings while giving up five earned (and one unearned) runs off eight hits. Those eight strikeouts gave him a new career-high. He was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in four of his five plate appearances with two RBI and one double.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Zack Parker, who went 2-for-5 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. That's the most RBI he has posted since back in May of 2024. Another player making a difference was Jaxson Francis, who went 3-for-4 with one double and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Sidney waltzed into their contest on Monday with five straight wins... but they left with six. They walked away with an 8-3 victory over the Warriors.
Like Norwich, Sidney also got a great game from a two-way player: Riley Finch. On the mound, he tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs off three hits. Finch has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in five consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI.
In other pitching news, Austin Felzak looked comfortable as he tossed four innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off five hits. He has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances.
Back at the plate, Elijah Wright was excellent, going 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Kaleb Monroe, who went 2-for-4 with one stolen base, one double, and one RBI.
Sidney hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Walton struck out ten times.
Sidney pushed their record up to 11-4 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 12.3 runs over those games. As for Norwich, their win (their first of the season) made their record 1-17.
Norwich came up short against Sidney in their previous matchup back in April, falling 6-1. Can the Purple Tornado avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
