Palisades hasn't had much luck against Ardrey Kell recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Pumas will be playing at home against the Knights at 6:30 p.m. Palisades is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.8 runs per game this season.
Having struggled with four defeats in a row, Palisades turned things around against Olympic on Wednesday. They never let the Trojans get on the board and left with a 16-0 win. Considering the Pumas have won nine matches by more than five runs this season, Wednesday's blowout was nothing new.
Blake Devis
| 04/23/25 @ Olympic | 10 |
| 03/25/25 vs Olympic | 6 |
| 03/21/24 vs South Mecklenburg | 4 |
| 03/08/24 @ Berry | 4 |
| 04/10/25 @ Butler | 3 |
Blake Devis tossed a big game, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only two hits while striking out ten over 4.2 innings pitched. Those ten strikeouts gave him a new career-high.
On the hitting side, Palisades got a massive performance out of Addison Rowland, who went 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI. The Pumas are 3-1 when Rowland posts two or more stolen bases, but 7-12 otherwise. The team also got some help courtesy of Israel Clase, who got on base in all four of his plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and one double.
Palisades was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .652. They are a perfect 6-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Meanwhile, Ardrey Kell was able to grind out a solid victory over Palisades on Tuesday, taking the game 7-3. The win continues a trend for the Knights in their matchups with the Pumas: they've now won five in a row.
Ardrey Kell also got a great performance from Matthew Slattery as he tossed six innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off four hits. Slattery has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Colby Epperly was incredible, going 2-for-3 with four RBI, one triple, and one stolen base. Another player making a difference was Owen Green, who went 1-for-3 with two runs and one double.
Ardrey Kell's victory was their fifth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 14-9. Those home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 8.0 runs over those games. As for Palisades, their victory bumped their record up to 10-13.
Friday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Palisades hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .312. However, it's not like Ardrey Kell struggles in that department as they've averaged .319. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Palisades couldn't quite get it done against Ardrey Kell when the teams last played on Tuesday as they fell 7-3. Will the Pumas have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.
