The Kettle Run Cougars will take on the Warren County Wildcats at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Kettle Run's pitching crew has only allowed 3.2 runs per game this season, so Warren County's hitters will have their work cut out for them.
Kettle Run is coming in off a wild two-game stretch: after soaring to 13 runs on April 3rd, they were much more limited against Brentsville District two weeks ago. They fell 5-2 to the Tigers. Give some credit to the fans of both teams: the last five times they've met, the home team has come away the winner.
Meanwhile, Warren County got themselves on the board against Manassas Park on Monday, but Manassas Park never followed suit. They blew past the Cougars 13-0. That 13 run margin sets a new team best for the Wildcats this season.
Franny Shaffer and Seb France made a splash no matter where they played. Throwing, Shaffer pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, France pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Shaffer also tossed a walk, which is notable because Warren County is undefeated when he allows at most two walks, but 2-5 otherwise. At bat, Shaffer earned one RBI, one run, and one stolen base, while France got on base in all three of his plate appearances with two stolen bases, two runs, and one double.
In other batting news, Jayden Christopher was incredible, going 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one double. He is becoming a predictor of Warren County's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 1-5 when he doesn't). Another player making a difference was Landon Shell, who went 2-for-3 with three RBI and one run.
Warren County was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .529. The last time their batting average was this high was back in April of 2024.
Kettle Run's loss ended a six-game streak of away wins dating back to last season and brought them to 6-2. As for Warren County, the victory got them back to even at 5-5.
Kettle Run took their win against Warren County when the teams last played back in March by a conclusive 8-2 score. Will the Cougars repeat their success, or do the Wildcats have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
