The North Clarion Wolves will head out on the road to square off against the Keystone Panthers at 5:30 p.m. on Monday.
North Clarion came into their game on Friday off a hard-fought close win, but unfortunately suffered a serious change of fortune. They came up short against Lakeview, falling 6-0. Having soared to a lofty 14 runs in the game before, the Wolves' shutout was a dramatic turnaround.
Meanwhile, Keystone can bid farewell to their 12-game losing streak thanks to their game on Tuesday. They were the clear victors by a 13-3 margin over Clarion-Limestone. The Panthers' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Kord Stewart was a major factor no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching five innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off five hits. Stewart was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with two runs and one RBI.
In other batting news, Keystone got a massive performance out of Giovanni Dic.k, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs, two RBI, and one double. Those three runs gave Dic.k a new career-high. Talon Wilson was another key player, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with two runs, one double, and one RBI.
Keystone always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .545. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Keystone picked up their first home win, bumping their record up to 2-13. As for North Clarion, their loss dropped their record down to 2-15.
North Clarion's speedy runners might be the difference in Monday's matchup. The Wolves have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 2.9 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Keystone, though, as they've been averaging an even more impressive 1.1 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will North Clarion continue to outrun the ball?
North Clarion couldn't quite finish off Keystone in their previous meeting back in March and fell 4-2. Can the Wolves avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
