Baseball Game Preview: Middlesex Chargers vs. Rappahannock Raiders

Middlesex hasn't had much luck against Rappahannock recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Chargers will face off against the Raiders at 5:00 p.m. Each of these teams will be fighting to keep a win streak alive as Middlesex comes in on four and Rappahannock on seven.

Middlesex had to skate by with only a two-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the 11-run drubbing they dealt West Point on Thursday. The Chargers blew past the Pointers 12-1. The result was nothing new for the Chargers, who have now won six contests by nine runs or more so far this season.

Jakub Bowen

Batters Struck Out (Career)

05/01/25 vs West Point	14
03/19/24 vs Essex	7
04/08/25 @ Colonial Beach	5
04/25/24 @ West Point	5
04/19/24 vs Chincoteague	5

Jakub Bowen was a major factor no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 14 batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned run off four hits. Those 14 strikeouts gave him a new career-high. He was also big at the plate, getting on base in four of his five plate appearances with three runs, one stolen base, and one double. He has become a key player for Middlesex: the team is 5-1 when he posts at least two runs, but 3-5 otherwise.

In other batting news, Luke McMurtrie was incredible, going 3-for-5 with three RBI, two runs, and one triple. That's the most RBI he has posted since back in April of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Henry Fleet, who got on base in four of his five plate appearances with two runs and one RBI.

Meanwhile, Rappahannock earned a 10-5 victory over Lancaster on Thursday.

Rappahannock's win was their 12th straight on the road dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 12-2. The team dominated over that stretch too, winning by an average of 10 runs. As for Middlesex, their record is now 8-6.

Middlesex might still be hurting after the 16-0 loss they got from Rappahannock in their previous meeting back in March. Can the Chargers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.