Baseball Game Preview: James River Midlothian Rapids vs. Manchester Lancers

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Previous Games

03/18/25 - Home	3-2 W
04/23/24 - Home	14-2 W
03/19/24 - Away	5-0 W
05/26/23 - Home	3-2 W
05/16/23 - Home	6-5 W
+ 5 more games

James River Midlothian is a perfect 10-0 against Manchester since April of 2021 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Thursday. The Rapids will head out to face off against the Lancers at 5:00 p.m. The last three games James River Midlothian has played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.

James River Midlothian fought the good fight in their extra-innings matchup against Clover Hill on Tuesday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell just short of the Cavaliers by a score of 5-4. The loss was just more heartbreak for the Rapids who fell 7-5 when the teams previously met back in May of 2024.

Jake Schumacher and Jayden Grant stepped up to the plate in a big way. Schumacher went 2-for-3 with three runs and one stolen base, while Grant went 1-for-3 with two stolen bases, one run, and one RBI. Conner Sprouse also deserves some recognition as he hit his first double of the season.

Meanwhile, Manchester didn't have quite enough to beat Highland Springs on Wednesday and fell 7-5.

Tyson Penepacker put in work no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over five innings while giving up four earned (and two unearned) runs off six hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with one double and one RBI.

Manchester has been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 6-5 record this season. As for James River Midlothian, with the defeat, they broke their three-game winning streak and moved their record to 7-2.

The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. James River Midlothian has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.8 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Manchester struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.8 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.

James River Midlothian skirted past Manchester 3-2 in their previous matchup back in March. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Rapids since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.