For the second straight game, Valley Forge Baptist Academy will face off against Alliance Christian. The Patriots will be playing in front of their home fans against the Gryphons at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Valley Forge Baptist Academy has given up an average of 9.2 runs per game this season, but Tuesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Alliance Christian hit Valley Forge Baptist Academy with a eight-run sixth inning on Friday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Patriots lost 14-4 to the Gryphons. The Patriots have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
For Alliance Christian's part, Tavius Butler was a major factor no matter where he played. He struck out seven batters over six innings while giving up three earned (and one unearned) runs off five hits. Those seven strikeouts gave Butler a new career-high. He was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI. Those hits were his first of the season.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Jacob Heller, who got on base in three of his five plate appearances with five stolen bases, three RBI, and one run. Those three RBI gave him a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Brennan Corson, who got on base in three of his five plate appearances with two stolen bases, two runs, and one double.
Alliance Christian always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .550. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Valley Forge Baptist Academy only posted an OBP of .370.
Alliance Christian's first win this season bumped their record up to 1-5. As for Valley Forge Baptist Academy, their loss was their first in the conference, dropping their conference record down to 2-1 and their overall record down to 3-3.
Alliance Christian's hitters will have their work cut out for them on Tuesday. Valley Forge Baptist Academy has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 9.7 strikeouts per game. It's a different story for Alliance Christian, though, as they've been averaging only 4.2 strikeouts. Will Valley Forge Baptist Academy keep running through batters, or will the Gryphons buck the trend? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
