Williston is on a seven-game streak of home wins (dating back to last season), while Lafayette is on a six-game streak of away wins (also dating back to last season): one of those streaks is about to end. The Williston Red Devils will welcome the Lafayette Hornets at 7:00 p.m. on Monday. The two teams are strolling into their matches after big wins in their previous games.
Williston's pitching crew heads into the contest hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Friday. They were the clear victor by a 9-0 margin over Bell. The result was nothing new for the Red Devils, who have now won five games by nine runs or more so far this season.
The result came thanks to Anthony Gardea's shutout, as he gave up just three hits and racked up six Ks. Furthermore, he didn't allow a single walk, the first time he has blanked an opponent since back in April of 2024.
On the hitting side, Williston got a big performance out of Blake Martin, who scored two runs and stole a base while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances. Jacob Loock was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances.
The home team had won the previous three meetings between Lafayette and Chiefland, and Lafayette kept the tradition alive. Lafayette put the hurt on Chiefland with a sharp 13-1 victory on Tuesday. With that win, the Hornets brought their scoring average up to 7.4 runs per game.
Hyatt Richardson was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He struck out nine batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and only one walk). He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two hits in three consecutive appearances. He was also stellar in the batter's box, firing off two home runs and five RBI while going 3-for-3. Those five RBI gave him a new career-high.
In other pitching news, Gavin Barnes looked comfortable as he pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits.
Back at the plate, Trevor Byrd was incredible, scoring a run and stealing a base while getting on base in all three of his plate appearances. Another player making a difference was Garrett Taylor, who scored two runs while going 1-for-2.
Lafayette always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .552. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Williston's victory bumped their record up to 6-2. As for Lafayette, their win bumped their record up to 4-1.
Williston couldn't quite finish off Lafayette in their previous meeting back in May of 2017 and fell 3-1. Can Williston avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
