Independence will face off against Wickliffe at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Independence is coming into the matchup hot, having won their last seven games.
On Monday, Independence beat Western Reserve Academy 10-6.
Ryan Suhy
| 05/11/26 @ Western Reserve Academy | 8 |
| 04/23/26 @ Berkshire | 6 |
| 04/17/26 vs Western Reserve Academy | 6 |
| 04/03/26 vs Garfield Heights | 10 |
Ryan Suhy tossed a big game, not allowing a single earned run while striking out eight over five innings pitched. That's the most strikeouts he has posted since back in April.
On the hitting side, Owen Jenks and Anderson Jolliffe did most of the damage at the plate: Jenks got on base in all four of his plate appearances with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI, while Jolliffe went 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one double. That's the most stolen bases Jenks has posted since back in April. The team also got some help courtesy of Vinny Carriero, who went 2-for-3 with two RBI and one double.
Independence hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team has now struck out at least two batters in three consecutive contests.
Meanwhile, Wickliffe came up short against Rootstown on Thursday and fell 8-4. The Blue Devils have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Cole Vanatta was cooking despite his team's loss, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with two stolen bases, one run, and one RBI. He is becoming a predictor of Wickliffe's success: when he posts at least two stolen bases the team is 2-1 (and 4-9 when he doesn't). Another player making a difference was Frankie Bucar, who went 2-for-4 with one stolen base, one run, and one double.
Wickliffe's defeat dropped their record down to 6-10. As for Independence, their victory bumped their record up to 14-3.
Tuesday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Independence has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .469. However, it's not like Wickliffe struggles in that department as they've averaged .444. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Independence beat Wickliffe 4-0 in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Does Independence have another victory up their sleeve, or will Wickliffe turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
