Countryside is 2-8 against Northeast since March of 2015 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Thursday. The Cougars will head out on the road to challenge the Vikings at 7:30 p.m. Countryside's pitching crew has only allowed 3.2 runs per game this season, so Northeast's hitters will have their work cut out for them.
Countryside fought the good fight in their extra-innings contest against IMG Academy Navy on Wednesday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell just short of the Ascenders by a score of 7-6.
Braeden Callahan put in work while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching 3.1 innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. What's more, he gave up only zero earned runs, the fewest he's had since back in April of 2024. He was also big at the plate, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 1-for-5.
In other batting news, Luke Tregillus made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and scored a run while going 4-for-5.
Meanwhile, Northeast didn't have quite enough to beat Palm Harbor University on Wednesday and fell 6-5.
Michael Marley was cooking despite his team's loss, going 1-for-2 with one triple, one run, and one RBI. That triple marked the first that he hit this season. Noah Rodriquez was another key player, scoring two runs while getting on base in both of his plate appearances.
Countryside's record is now 16-7. As for Northeast, they have been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four matches. That's put a noticeable dent in their 10-11 record this season.
Countryside's speedy runners might be the difference in Thursday's game. The Cougars have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.1 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Northeast, though, as they've been averaging only 1 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Countryside continue to outrun the ball?
Countryside couldn't quite get it done against Northeast when the teams last played back in February as they fell 5-2. Can the Cougars avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
