Baseball Game Preview: Martinsville Bluestreaks vs. Schlarman Hilltoppers

The Martinsville Bluestreaks will face off against the Schlarman Hilltoppers at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Martinsville has given up an average of 15.2 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Martinsville came up short against Oblong/Hutsonville/Palestine on Monday, falling 21-3. The Bluestreaks have struggled against Oblong/Hutsonville/Palestine recently, as the game was their sixth consecutive lost meeting.

Meanwhile, Schlarman had to endure a seven-game losing streak, but that streak is no more. They were the clear victors by a 10-4 margin over Cissna Park on Wednesday. Considering the Hilltoppers' hitters had been struggling lately, the high-scoring outing was a much-needed turnaround.

Marc Villaester made a splash no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, tossing seven innings while giving up just two earned (and two unearned) runs off two hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in four consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-4 with one triple, one stolen base, and one run. That triple marked the first that he has hit this season.

In other batting news, Miles Crosby was incredible, firing off two home runs, six RBI, and three runs while going 3-for-4. Those six RBI gave him a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Liam Billings, who went 3-for-5 with two stolen bases, three runs, and two doubles.

Schlarman lost a few balls and finished the game with two home runs. That's the most home runs they've managed all season.

Martinsville's defeat dropped their record down to 2-10. As for Schlarman, their win bumped their record up to 5-10.