The Baldwin Indians will head out to square off against the Oakleaf Knights at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. Baldwin hasn't scored more than two runs for three games straight, a trend the squad is eager to reverse.
Baldwin came up short against Mandarin on Wednesday, falling 9-1.
Baldwin saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Jesse Macik, who went 1-for-2 with one double and one RBI.
Meanwhile, it may have taken eight innings to finish the job, but Oakleaf ultimately got the result they hoped for on Tuesday. They had just enough and edged out Fleming Island 9-8. The Knights' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Abrien Paseiro made a splash no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Furthermore, he didn't allow a single walk, the first time he has blanked an opponent since back in April of 2024. He was also solid in the batter's box, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one stolen base, one double, and one RBI. That's the most hits he has posted since back in March of 2024.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on JP Espinosa, who scored two runs and stole Five bases. while going 2-for-4. With that strong performance, he is now averaging an impressive 1.2 stolen bases per game. Elijah Brown was another key player, scoring a run and stealing Two bases. while getting on base in three of his five plate appearances.
Oakleaf's record now sits at 6-7. As for Baldwin, their loss dropped their record down to 7-6.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Baldwin has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Oakleaf struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8.5 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Baldwin came up short against Oakleaf when the teams last played back in April of 2023, falling 6-1. Can Baldwin avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
