Cairo-Durham hasn't had much luck against Hudson recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Mustangs will venture away from home to challenge the Bluehawks at 4:30 p.m. Cairo-Durham is coming into the game hot, having won their last three games.
On Wednesday, Cairo-Durham was able to grind out a solid win over Germantown, taking the game 6-3.
Jake Young made a splash no matter where he played. He tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in seven consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base.
Young wasn't the only one making solid contact as three players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Michael Pernice, who went 1-for-3 with one run and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Hudson got themselves on the board against Catskill on Tuesday, but Catskill never followed suit. They blew past the Cats 8-0. The result was nothing new for the Bluehawks, who have now won nine contests by eight runs or more so far this season.
Like Cairo-Durham, Hudson also got a great game from a two-way player: Gannon Logue. On the mound, he didn't allow a single earned run while striking out nine over seven innings pitched. That's the most strikeouts Logue has posted since back in April. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-5 with three runs and one stolen base. He is becoming a predictor of Hudson's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is 10-1 (and 0-6 when he doesn't).
In other batting news, Trent Keller was incredible, getting on base in four of his five plate appearances with two stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI. He has become a key player for Hudson: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 3-7 otherwise. Kam Duntz was another key player, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with two RBI.
Cairo-Durham's record is now 11-5. As for Hudson, their record now sits at 10-7.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Cairo-Durham has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 9.1 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Hudson struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.4 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Cairo-Durham beat Hudson 4-0 in their previous meeting back in April. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Mustangs since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
