The Kennedy Commanders will head out to square off against the Standley Lake Gators at 4:15 p.m. on Monday. Kennedy has given up an average of 7.9 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Kennedy managed to slip by Manual the last time these teams faced off, but didn't have those same answers this time around. The Commanders came up short against the Thunderbolts on Friday, falling 15-5. The Commanders' defeat signaled the end of their four-game winning streak.
Kennedy saw seven different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Manny Rojas, who went 2-for-3 with one run, one double, and one RBI. Eric Valenzuela was another, going 2-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double.
Meanwhile, after only two runs in their last game, Standley Lake made sure to put some runs up on the board against Dakota Ridge on Saturday. The Gators had just enough and edged out the Eagles 11-9. The high-scoring performance was a welcome turnaround for the Gators' hitters, who had struggled in the games prior.
Chris Blanco made a splash no matter where he played. He struck out seven batters over four innings while giving up three earned runs off only two hits. He has been consistent: he hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in seven consecutive appearances. He was even better at the plate, going 2-for-5 with one home run, five RBI, and one double. He is becoming a predictor of Standley Lake's success: when he posts at least three RBI the team is 3-1 (and 6-9 when he doesn't).
In other batting news, Henry Moore was excellent, going 3-for-5 with two runs and one stolen base. Standley Lake is undefeated when Moore posts two or more runs, but 5-10 otherwise. Aidan Rose also deserves some recognition as he hit his first double of the season.
Standley Lake kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Dakota Ridge only managed six hits.
Kennedy's loss dropped their record down to 9-9. As for Standley Lake, their record is now 9-10.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Monday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Kennedy has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Standley Lake struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 6.6 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
