Baseball Recap: Poplar Springs Has No Trouble Against Bethlehem

After having lost a blowout in their previous game against Paxton, Poplar Springs was happy to have turned things around on Friday. They blew past the Bethlehem Wildcats 13-3. Considering the Atomics' hitters had been struggling lately, the high-scoring outing was a much-needed turnaround.

Baron Hall made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He struck out ten batters over five innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off five hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in five consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs and stealing three bases while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances. Those three stolen bases gave him a new career-high.

Brayson Blanton

Stolen Base (Career)

04/04/25 vs Bethlehem	5
03/04/25 @ Vernon	2
03/19/24 vs Ponce De Leon	2
03/28/25 @ Ponce De Leon	1
03/25/25 @ Bethlehem	1

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Brayson Blanton, who scored three runs and stole five bases while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances. Those five stolen bases gave him a new career-high. Landen Gammons was another key player, scoring a run and stealing a base while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances.

Poplar Springs always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .706. They are 5-1 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.

The win got Poplar Springs back to even at 7-7. As for Bethlehem, they dropped their record down to 1-7 with the loss, which was their eighth straight on the road dating back to last season.

Looking ahead, Poplar Springs will square off against Cottondale at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The Atomics' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Hornets have averaged an impressive 6.7 runs per game this season. As for Bethlehem, they didn't take long to hit the field again: they've already played their next match, an 11-7 defeat against Laurel Hill on the 7th.