Hoxie is 0-5 against Trumann since March of 2016 but things could change on Monday. The Mustangs are taking a road trip to challenge the Wildcats at 4:30 p.m. Hoxie has given up an average of 13.2 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Last Friday, Hoxie came up short against Bay and fell 15-10. Even if the Mustangs couldn't come away with the victory, the high-scoring effort was a great turnaround for their hitters, which had struggled int the games prior.
Hayden McIntire and Dalton Neely stepped up to the plate in a big way. McIntire got on base in four of his five plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI, while Neely got on base in three of his five plate appearances with three stolen bases, two runs, and one double. Those RBI marked the first that McIntire has brought in this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Christian Nichols, who got on base in four of his five plate appearances with three RBI, one stolen base, and one run.
Meanwhile, Trumann made easy work of Marked Tree on Friday and carried off an 18-6 win. The Wildcats have beaten the Indians the last three times they've met, but they better watch out: this was the closest the Indians has come to flipping the script.
Peyton Chaffin looked comfortable as he struck out six batters over three innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off five hits (and not a single walk). Trumann is undefeated when Chaffin allows two or fewer earned runs, but 2-3-1 otherwise.
On the hitting side, Drake Harlow was excellent, going 2-for-3 with one home run, four runs, and three RBI. He continues to improve, besting his previous run total in each of the last three games he's played. Bradon Whitsett was another key player, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs, two doubles, and one stolen base.
Trumann always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .579. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Trumann's record is now 5-3-1. As for Hoxie, their defeat dropped their record down to 1-4.
Monday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Hoxie has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .467. However, it's not like Trumann struggles in that department as they've averaged .502. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Hoxie came up short against Trumann when the teams last played back in February of 2022, falling 10-5. Can the Mustangs avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
