Baseball Game Preview: Valley Forge Patriots vs. Westlake Demons

Valley Forge hasn't had much luck against Westlake recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Patriots will venture away from home to challenge the Demons at 6:00 p.m. Valley Forge has given up an average of 9.6 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Valley Forge is headed into Monday's matchup looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fourth straight game on Thursday. They took an 11-7 hit to the loss column at the hands of North Olmsted. On the bright side, the seven- run performance marked the Patriots' highest-scoring contest to date.

Evan Tappe was cooking despite his team's loss, going 2-for-4 with three RBI and one stolen base. Steve Baker was another key player, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with one stolen base and one run.

Meanwhile, Westlake was able to grind out a solid victory over Highland on Friday, taking the game 8-3. With that win, the Demons brought their scoring average up to 6.2 runs per game.

Ryan Camden tossed a big game, pitching 4.2 innings while giving up three earned runs off five hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than one walk any time he's pitched this season.

On the hitting side, Cole Jung was incredible, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. Those four RBI gave him a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Nicholas Sherwood, who went 2-for-3 with two runs and one RBI.

Valley Forge's loss dropped their record down to 3-7. As for Westlake, they now have a winning record of 8-7.

Valley Forge suffered a grim 12-2 defeat to Westlake in their previous matchup back in May of 2022. Can the Patriots avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.