The Pebblebrook Falcons will challenge Cristo Rey Atlanta at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Pebblebrook has given up an average of 11.9 runs per game this season, but Wednesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
It was a Battle of the Birds when Pebblebrook duked it out with Hillgrove on Tuesday. The Falcons came up short against the Hawks, falling 14-4. The Falcons have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Pebblebrook saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Damian (DJ) Phipps, who scored two runs and stole five bases while getting on base in all three of his plate appearances.
Meanwhile, Cristo Rey Atlanta never let their opponents score last Monday. They were the clear victors by a 10-0 margin over North Georgia HomeSchool. Cristo Rey Atlanta might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won four contests by seven runs or more this season.
Alonso Rodriguez made a splash no matter where he played. He didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out 14 over seven innings pitched. Those 14 strikeouts gave him a new career-high. He was also big at the plate, scoring three runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-4. Cristo Rey Atlanta is 4-1 when Rodriguez posts two or more runs, but 1-3 otherwise.
In other batting news, Cristo Rey Atlanta let Ethan Minor and Collin Roberts run wild. Minor scored two runs and stole two bases while going 1-for-3, while Roberts scored two runs and stole two bases while going 1-for-3. Minor is becoming a predictor of Cristo Rey Atlanta's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is 3-1 (and 2-3 when he doesn't). Robert Minor was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 1-for-2.
Cristo Rey Atlanta now has a winning record of 5-4. As for Pebblebrook, their defeat dropped their record down to 6-12.
Wednesday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Pebblebrook has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .465. However, it's not like Cristo Rey Atlanta struggles in that department as they've averaged .481. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Pebblebrook might still be hurting after the 17-11 loss they got from Cristo Rey Atlanta when the teams last played back in March of 2023. Can the Falcons avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
