Renaissance hasn't had much luck against Cass Tech recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Phoenix will square off against the Technicians at 4:30 p.m. Each of these teams will be fighting to keep a win streak alive as Renaissance comes in on three and Cass Tech on eight.
Renaissance is headed in fresh off scoring the most runs they have all season. They were the clear victors by a 17-1 margin over Mumford on Wednesday. Perhaps unsurprisingly given the team's high-flying offense, the game also marked the team's biggest victory of the season.
Jaden Kiel made a splash no matter where he played. He pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Kiel was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in two of his four plate appearances with three stolen bases, one run, and one RBI. That run was his first of the season.
In other batting news, Brandon Jones was incredible, getting on base in all three of his plate appearances with four stolen bases, three runs, and two RBI. Those RBI marked the first that he has brought in this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Kaiden Ash, who went 1-for-3 with three RBI, one stolen base, and one run.
Renaissance always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .667. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Cass Tech came out on top against Greenhills on Thursday thanks in part to the team's impressive ten-run second inning. The Technicians put the hurt on the Gryphons with a sharp 13-3 win. The Technicians might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won seven matchups by nine runs or more this season.
The team relied heavily on Jelani Jabari, who went 3-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and one stolen base. What's more, he posted two RBI, the most he's had since back in March. Another player making a difference was Jaidon Mobley, who got on base in all three of his plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base.
Renaissance's record now sits at 5-3. As for Cass Tech, their record is now 11-3.
Friday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Renaissance has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .514. However, it's not like Cass Tech struggles in that department as they've averaged .517. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Renaissance suffered a grim 11-2 defeat to Cass Tech when the teams last played on April 7th. Can the Phoenix avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
