Baseball Game Preview: Kirby Cougars vs. Southwind Jaguars

Kirby and Southwind are an even 5-5 against one another since April of 2019, but likely not for long. The Cougars will head out on the road to challenge the Jaguars at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Both teams took a loss in their last game, so they'll have plenty of motivation to get the 'W'.

Kirby easily dispatched Melrose two weeks ago, but unfortunately both the margin and the ultimate result were a different story in this one. The Cougars fell just short of Memphis Central by a score of 8-6 two weeks ago. The Cougars have struggled against the Warriors recently, as the game was their third consecutive lost meeting.

Kazell Johnson

Stolen Base

03/28/25 @ Memphis Central	4
03/24/25 @ Middle College	4
03/27/25 @ Melrose	3
03/07/25 @ Hamilton	3
03/21/25 @ Cordova	1
+ 1 more games

Kazell Johnson stepped up to lead a balanced group of hitters: he scored two runs and stole four bases while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances. He is becoming a predictor of Kirby's success: when he posts at least two stolen bases the team is 3-1 (and 2-5 when he doesn't). Another player making a difference was Daniel Reed, who scored two runs and stole three bases while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances.

Meanwhile, Southwind entered their match against Germantown on Monday without any home losses, but there's a first time for everything. The Jaguars lost 10-1 to the Red Devils. Having soared to a lofty 12 runs in the game before, the Jaguars couldn't push the score so high this time.

Stephen Simmons was cooking despite his team's loss, scoring a run and stealing two bases while going 1-for-2. He is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as he's now snagged at least one in each of the last seven games he's played.

Kirby now has a losing record of 5-6. As for Southwind, they suffered their first home loss, dropping their record down to 7-4.

Friday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Kirby hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .321. However, it's not like Southwind struggles in that department as they've averaged .350. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Kirby came up short against Southwind in their previous matchup back in March, falling 12-7. Can the Cougars avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.