Shenandoah Valley hasn't had much luck against Panther Valley recently, but that could start to change on Saturday. Shenandoah Valley will challenge Panther Valley at 12:00 p.m. Shenandoah Valley is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 9.8 runs per game this season.
While Shenandoah Valley didn't have the best season last year (they finished 7-14), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. They blew past Williams Valley 10-2 on Thursday. Surprisingly, this marked the fifth straight game that the away team has come away the victor.
Brayden Maksimik
| 03/27/25 @ Williams Valley | 9 |
| 03/19/25 vs Executive Education Academy Charter School | 6 |
| 03/14/25 vs MMI Preparatory School | 4 |
| 05/22/24 @ Palisades | 1 |
| 05/11/24 @ Marian Catholic | 7 |
| + 5 more games |
Brayden Maksimik was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he struck out nine batters over six innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off one hit. That's the most strikeouts he has posted since back in April of 2024. He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs and stealing a base while getting on base in three of his five plate appearances.
In other batting news, Brayden Lutz was excellent, scoring two runs and stealing a base while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances. That's the most runs he has posted since back in April of 2024. Jostin Lajara also deserves some recognition as he got his first hit of the season.
Meanwhile, Panther Valley was not able to break out of their rough patch on Thursday as the team picked up their sixth straight loss dating back to last season. They were two runs away from ending the streak, but they lost a 3-1 heartbreaker at the hands of Tri-Valley.
Panther Valley saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Brody Breiner, who scored a run while going 3-for-4.
Shenandoah Valley's record is now 5-1. As for Panther Valley, their defeat dropped their record down to 0-3.
Panther Valley's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Shenandoah Valley hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .346. It's a different story for Panther Valley, though, as they've only averaged .171. Will they be able to contain Shenandoah Valley's hitters?
Shenandoah Valley couldn't quite finish off Panther Valley in their previous meeting back in April of 2024 and fell 9-7. Can Shenandoah Valley avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
