Baseball Game Preview: Central Gwinnett Black Knights vs. Duluth Wildcats

Central Gwinnett hasn't had much luck against Duluth recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Black Knights will square off against the Wildcats at 1:00 p.m. Central Gwinnett has given up an average of 11.3 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Central Gwinnett is headed into Monday's matchup looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fourth straight game on Friday. They came up short against Dacula, falling 12-0.

Meanwhile, Duluth got the win against Meadowcreek on Thursday by a conclusive 13-2. The result was nothing new for the Wildcats, who have now won seven contests by nine runs or more so far this season.

Cristian Esquivel made a big impact no matter where he played. On the mound, he struck out six batters over four innings while giving up just two earned runs off four hits (and only one walk). He also tossed a walk, which is notable because Duluth is 2-1 when he allows at most one walk, but 6-14 otherwise. Esquivel was also big at the plate, scoring a run and stealing two bases while going 3-for-4. Those three hits gave him a new career-high.

In other batting news, Jhonder Colina and Manny Guarate did most of the damage at the plate: Colina scored two runs while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances, while Guarate went 1-for-2 with one home run and four RBI. Duluth is 2-1 when Colina posts two or more runs, but 6-14 otherwise. The team also got some help courtesy of Enmanuel Barrios, who scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-3.

Duluth always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .595. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their OBP total in three consecutive games.

Central Gwinnett's loss dropped their record down to 6-18. As for Duluth, their record now sits at 8-15.

Central Gwinnett might still be hurting after the 21-1 defeat they got from Duluth when the teams last played back in February of 2024. Can the Black Knights avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.