The South Gibson Hornets will face off against the Chester County Eagles at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (South Gibson 2.9, Chester County 3.9) so any runs scored will be well earned.
South Gibson is probably headed into the contest with a chip on their shoulder considering Dyer County just ended the team's 12-game winning streak on Wednesday. They fell just short of the Choctaws by a score of 4-3.
Gage Allen was huge no matter where he played even without the win. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only one hit while striking out 14 over seven innings pitched. That's the fewest hits he has allowed over his last three matchups. He was also big at the plate, going 1-for-2 with two RBI.
McNairy Central typically has all the answers at home, but on Wednesday Chester County proved too difficult a challenge. They walked away with an 8-3 win over the Bobcats. The victory continues a trend for the Eagles in their matchups with the Bobcats: they've now won eight in a row.
Like South Gibson, Chester County also got a great game from a two-way player: Jaden Weaver. He tossed six innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off four hits. Weaver was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with one home run. That home run marked the first that he has launched this season.
In other batting news, Jayce Goff was excellent, going 2-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. Another player making a difference was Brooks Johnson, who got on base in four of his five plate appearances with one run and one double.
Chester County was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .387. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as McNairy Central only posted a batting average of .200.
Chester County's win bumped their record up to 15-8. As for South Gibson, their defeat was their first in the district, dropping their district record down to 7-1 and their overall record down to 22-6.
Thursday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. South Gibson has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .444. However, it's not like Chester County struggles in that department as they've averaged .446. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
South Gibson skirted past Chester County 3-2 in their previous meeting back in March. Do the Hornets have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Eagles turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
