Girard has won seven straight games at home (dating back to last season), while North East has won seven straight on the road, but those streaks won't matter much on Tuesday. The Yellowjackets will host the Grape Pickers at 4:00 p.m. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (Girard 1.2, North East 2.6) so any runs scored will be well earned.
While Girard didn't have the best season last year (they finished 7-12), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. Everything went their way against Corry on Wednesday as they made off with an 8-1 victory. Fans of the Yellowjackets have seen this all before: every one of the games they've played this season has ended in a blowout of 6+ runs.
Joe Ferretti made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than two hits in three consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, scoring a run and stealing two bases while going 2-for-3. He also put up two RBI, which were his first of the season.
James Kibbe
| 04/09/25 vs Corry | 1 |
| 04/07/25 vs Corry | 2 |
| 04/04/25 vs Seneca | 3 |
| 04/03/25 vs Northwestern | 1 |
| 03/29/25 vs Varsity Opponent | 1 |
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on James Kibbe, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-3. Kibbe is crushing it when it comes to stolen bases: he's snagged at least one every time he's taken the field this season. Another player making a difference was Mason Kalicky, who scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-4.
Girard kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 13 hits. That's the most hits they've managed all season.
While North East didn't have the best season last year (they finished 4-12), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. They won by a run and slipped past Conneaut Area 3-2. Those three runs were actually the fewest the Grape Pickers have put up all season, but given the result they're probably not too concerned.
Jerek Turlij was a major factor no matter where he played. He struck out 18 batters over 6.2 innings while giving up just two earned runs off two hits. Those 18 strikeouts gave him a new career-high. He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run and stealing a base while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances.
In other batting news, Braydon Cornman was excellent, scoring a run and stealing three bases while going 2-for-3. That's the most stolen bases he has posted since back in April of 2024.
Girard's win bumped their record up to 5-0. As for North East, their victory bumped their record up to 8-0.
Tuesday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Girard has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .497. However, it's not like North East struggles in that department as they've averaged .460. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more baseball content.
