The Sunbright Tigers will face off against the Clarkrange Buffaloes at 5:30 p.m. on Friday.
Wednesday just wasn't the day for Sunbright's offense. They wound up with the same score they had in their last game (10-0), but sadly the team found themselves on the wrong side of the score this time. They haven't had much luck with the Eagles recently, as the team has come up short the last seven times they've met.
Meanwhile, Clarkrange hadn't done well against Pickett County recently (they were 2-7 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Tuesday. The Buffaloes put the hurt on the Bobcats with a sharp 17-7 victory. The Buffaloes might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won six matchups by six runs or more this season.
Justen Curtis made a big impact no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching three innings while giving up just two earned runs off four hits. Curtis was even better at the plate, going 3-for-4 with five RBI, one stolen base, and one run. Clarkrange is undefeated when Curtis posts three or more RBI, but 6-8 otherwise.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Easton Curtis, who got on base in all five of his plate appearances with three stolen bases, three runs, and one double. He has become a key player for Clarkrange: the team is 3-1 when he posts at least two stolen bases, but 6-7 otherwise. Mason McWhirter was another key player, getting on base in four of his five plate appearances with three runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.
Clarkrange always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .707. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their OBP total in three consecutive games.
Sunbright's defeat dropped their record down to 1-11. As for Clarkrange, their win ended a four-game drought at home and bumped them up to 9-8.
Sunbright got the 'W' in their previous meeting back in April of 2023 against Clarkrange by a conclusive 18-12 score. Do the Tigers have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Buffaloes turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
