For the first time this season, Italy will have a chance to prove themselves in a conference matchup on Friday. They will take on the Itasca Wampus Cats at 7:00 p.m. Italy has given up an average of 12.2 runs per game this season, so hopefully the team got some pitching drills in this week.
Italy's last matchup with Hillsboro could've gone either way, but unfortunately the same can't be said for the pair's game on Thursday. Italy came up short against Hillsboro, falling 15-9. The Gladiators' loss continues a trend for the squad, making it four in a row.
Brady Whitney was cooking despite his team's loss, scoring two runs and stealing a base while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances. Rhet Mathers also deserves some recognition as he snagged his first stolen base of the season.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Itasca). They were the clear victor by a 23-4 margin over Blum on Tuesday. Considering the Wampus Cats have won seven matchups by more than seven runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
EJ Garcia looked comfortable as he tossed 1.1 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been consistent : he hasn't given up more than two hits in six consecutive appearances.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Buddy Jackson, who got on base in four of his five plate appearances with one home run, four runs, and two stolen bases. The dominant performance gave him a new career-high in runs. Brayden Mears was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing Two bases. while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances.
Itasca pushed their record up to 7-2 with the win, which was their fourth straight on the road dating back to last season. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 16.8 runs over those games. As for Italy, their defeat dropped their record down to 1-11.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Friday as neither team is afraid to steal. Italy has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.8 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Itasca struggles in that department as they've been averaging 4.6 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Italy suffered a grim 11-2 defeat to Itasca when the teams last played back in February. Can Italy avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
