The Paint Branch Panthers will head out on the road to square off against the Gaithersburg Trojans at 3:45 p.m. on Wednesday. Paint Branch is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 10.8 runs per game this season.
Paint Branch was handed a heart-breaking two-run loss in their last matchup, but they sure didn't let that happen against Springbrook on Monday. The Panthers put the hurt on the Blue Devils with a sharp 16-6 win. The victory continues a trend for the Panthers in their matchups with the Blue Devils: they've now won eight in a row.
Sebastian Ruiz
| 04/13/26 vs Springbrook | 3 |
| 04/09/26 vs Seneca Valley | 2 |
| 04/07/26 @ Kennedy | 1 |
| 03/23/26 @ Watkins Mill | 1 |
Sebastian Ruiz made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, tossing two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. He was even better at the plate, going 3-for-4 with three stolen bases, three runs, and three RBI. Those three stolen bases gave him a new career-high.
In other batting news, Mason Grayer was incredible, going 2-for-4 with four stolen bases, four runs, and one RBI. Paint Branch is 4-1 when Grayer posts two or more stolen bases, but 0-4 otherwise. Nolin Cockerham also deserves some recognition as he hit his first triple of the season.
Paint Branch was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .412. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Springbrook only posted a batting average of .217.
Meanwhile, after soaring to 11 runs the game before, Gaithersburg was a bit more limited in their game on Monday. They lost 15-0 to Sherwood. The defeat continues a trend for the Trojans in their meetings with the Warriors: they've now lost seven in a row.
Gaithersburg's loss dropped their record down to 3-6. As for Paint Branch, their record now sits at 4-5.
Wednesday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Paint Branch has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .473. However, it's not like Gaithersburg struggles in that department as they've averaged .457. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Paint Branch couldn't quite get it done against Gaithersburg in their previous meeting back in April of 2019 as they fell 11-6. Can the Panthers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
