Baseball Game Preview: Taylor County Bulldogs vs. Valwood Valiants

The Taylor County Bulldogs will head out to take on the Valwood Valiants at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Taylor County came into their game on Friday off a hard-fought close win, but unfortunately suffered a serious change of fortune. They came up short against Tift County, falling 15-0.

Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Valwood). They walked away with a 16-13 victory over Southland Academy on Friday. The high-scoring effort was just what the Valiants needed considering they were shut out in their previous match.

Dustin Gibbs and Triston White did most of the damage at the plate: Gibbs went 2-for-4 with five RBI, one stolen base, and one double, while White scored two runs while getting on base in four of his five plate appearances. White is becoming a predictor of Valwood's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 5-6 when he doesn't). The team also got some help courtesy of Chase Helfer, who scored two runs while getting on base in three of his six plate appearances.

Valwood always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .578. They are a perfect 5-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.

Taylor County's loss dropped their record down to 8-7. As for Valwood, their win bumped their record up to 8-6.

The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Taylor County has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Valwood struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.9 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.

Taylor County took their victory against Valwood when the teams last played back in March by a conclusive 10-4 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Bulldogs since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.