The Cherokee Chiefs will take on the Sullivan East Patriots at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. The two teams each escaped (but just barely!) with wins against their previous opponents.
On Tuesday, Cherokee needed a bit of extra time to put away Grainger. They came out on top in a nail-biter against the Grizzlies, sneaking past 12-11. The Chiefs haven't had any issues with the Grizzlies recently, as the game was their fifth consecutive victory against them.
Manning Brooks
| 03/24/25 @ Grainger | 3 |
| 03/25/25 vs Grainger | 2 |
| 03/18/25 @ Claiborne | 2 |
| 03/21/25 vs Dobyns-Bennett | 1 |
| 03/11/25 vs Volunteer | 1 |
Manning Brooks made a big impact no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over 4.2 innings while giving up just two earned (and five unearned) runs off eight hits (and only one walk). The dominant performance also gave him a new career-low in walks (one). He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs while getting on base in four of his five plate appearances. He is becoming a predictor of Cherokee's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 5-7 when he doesn't).
In other batting news, Cherokee let Jayden Weston and Charles Wagoner run wild. Weston scored two runs while getting on base in four of his five plate appearances, while Wagoner scored a run and stole a base while getting on base in three of his six plate appearances. Cherokee is undefeated when Weston posts two or more runs, but 5-7 otherwise. Eli Boyd also deserves some recognition as he hit his first double of the season.
Meanwhile, Sullivan East can bid farewell to their five-game losing streak thanks to their game on Tuesday. They had just enough and edged out West Ridge 8-6. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Patriots have posted since March 16, 2024.
Kaden Hicks was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He struck out six batters over 6.1 innings while giving up just two earned runs off five hits (and only one walk). Hicks was also big at the plate, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 4-for-4. The dominant performance also gave him a new career-high in RBI (three).
In other batting news, Peyton Lingerfelt was excellent, going 1-for-3 with three RBI and one double. Those three RBI gave him a new career-high.
Sullivan East's victory bumped their record up to 4-8. As for Cherokee, they now have a winning record of 8-7.
Thursday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Cherokee has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .449. However, it's not like Sullivan East struggles in that department as they've averaged .438. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Cherokee suffered a grim 9-2 defeat to Sullivan East when the teams last played on March 4th. Will Cherokee have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.
