Baseball Game Preview: Franklin Panthers vs. East Henderson Eagles

Franklin and East Henderson are an even 5-5 against one another since April of 2019, but likely not for long. The Panthers will challenge the Eagles at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Franklin is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.8 runs per game this season.

On Thursday, Franklin needed a bit of extra time to put away Hayesville. They had just enough and edged out the Yellowjackets 10-9. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Panthers.

William Rauers made a big impact no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching two innings while giving up just one earned run off one hit. He has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than one hit in five consecutive appearances. He was even better at the plate, going 2-for-4 with three RBI, one stolen base, and one run. He is becoming a predictor of Franklin's success: when he posts at least three RBI the team is undefeated (and 6-9 when he doesn't).

Brock Bradley

Runs (Career)

04/24/25 @ Hayesville	2
04/15/25 @ West Henderson	1
04/09/25 @ Robbinsville	1
04/02/25 vs Hayesville	1
04/01/25 @ Smoky Mountain	1

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Brock Bradley, who went 2-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. Those two runs gave him a new career-high. Garrett Young also deserves some recognition as he hit his first double of the season.

Franklin kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. They are 7-1 when they post 11 or more hits.

East Henderson came out on top against Christ School on Saturday thanks in part to the team's impressive seven-run fourth inning. The Eagles took their match against the Greenies 9-6.

East Henderson has been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five games. That's provided a nice bump to their 7-14 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 6.6 runs over those games. As for Franklin, they now have a winning record of 10-9.

Franklin came out on top in a nail-biter against East Henderson in their previous meeting back in May of 2024, sneaking past 5-4. Do the Panthers have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Eagles turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.