Baseball Recap: Howell Wins Going Away Against Point Pleasant Boro

After losing to Point Pleasant Boro the last time they met, Howell decided to demonstrate that turnabout is fair play. The Rebels put the hurt on the Panthers with a sharp 9-2 win on Thursday. The Rebels might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won six matchups by six runs or more this season.

Xavier Cortez spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered just two earned runs on four hits and racked up six Ks. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks any time he's pitched this season.

At the plate, Vinny Agnello was incredible, going 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, three runs, and two RBI. He has become a key player for Howell: the team is 4-1-1 when he posts at least two runs, but 6-7 otherwise. The team also got some help courtesy of Logan Koeppel, who went 3-for-4 with two RBI and one double.

Howell was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .407. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Point Pleasant Boro only posted a batting average of .167.

The victory made it two in a row for Howell and bumps their season record up to 10-8-1. The wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.0 runs over those games. As for Point Pleasant Boro, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost four of their last five contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 7-9 record this season.

Howell will venture away from home to challenge Toms River South at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. As for Point Pleasant Boro, they will host Freehold Boro at 4:00 p.m. on Monday.