Baseball Game Preview: Independence Patriots vs. Rocky River Ravens

Independence is a perfect 10-0 against Rocky River since April of 2019 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Friday. The Patriots will challenge the Ravens at 4:00 p.m. Independence is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.8 runs per game this season.

On Friday, Independence needed a bit of extra time to put away East Mecklenburg. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 15-14 win over the Eagles. The Patriots haven't had any issues with the Eagles recently, as the game was their third consecutive victory against them.

Blake Brown looked comfortable as he didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits over four innings pitched. He also tossed a walk, which is notable because Independence is 2-1 when he allows at most two walks, but 4-9 otherwise.

Brian Crowder

Runs Batted In (Career)

04/04/25 vs East Mecklenburg	4
03/18/25 vs Garinger	3
03/18/25 vs Garinger	2
03/12/25 @ Pine Lake Prep	1
03/06/25 @ Parkwood	1

On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Brian Crowder, who went 2-for-5 with four RBI, one stolen base, and one run. Those four RBI gave him a new career-high. Anthony Mosher was another key player, scoring two runs while getting on base in three of his five plate appearances.

Independence kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. They are 4-1 when they post 11 or more hits.

Meanwhile, Rocky River was not able to break out of their rough patch on Tuesday as the team picked up their tenth straight loss dating back to last season. They lost 18-0 to Providence.

Rocky River's defeat dropped their record down to 0-9. As for Independence, their record is now 6-10.

Independence was able to grind out a solid win over Rocky River in their previous matchup back in April of 2024, winning 5-0. Will the Patriots repeat their success, or do the Ravens have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.