The Winfield Generals will venture away from home to face off against the Ripley Vikings at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Winfield had to skate by with only a one-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the seven-run drubbing they dealt Point Pleasant on Wednesday. The Generals blew past the Big Blacks 9-2. With that win, the Generals brought their scoring average up to 6.2 runs per game.
Blake Withrow
| 04/16/25 vs Point Pleasant | 3 |
| 03/27/25 vs Lincoln County | 2 |
| 04/11/25 vs Huntington | 1 |
| 03/28/25 vs Logan | 1 |
| 03/25/25 vs Hoover | 1 |
Blake Withrow was a major factor no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned runs off seven hits (and not a single walk). He has been consistent: he hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in five consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with three RBI. Those three RBI gave him a new career-high.
In other batting news, Owen Taylor was excellent, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with three runs and one stolen base. Those three runs gave him a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Preston Keiffer, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base.
Meanwhile, Ripley got the win against Sissonville on Wednesday by a conclusive 12-5. The Vikings haven't had any issues with the Indians recently, as the game was their third consecutive victory against them.
Like Winfield, Ripley also got a great game from a two-way player: Parker Keller. He pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Keller was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with one home run.
In other batting news, Ripley let Peyton Keller and Bryson Casto run wild. Keller went 3-for-4 with two doubles and two RBI, while Casto went 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, two RBI, and one run. Brady McVay also deserves some recognition as he launched his first home run of the season.
Ripley lost a few balls and finished the game with two home runs. That's the most home runs they've managed all season.
Winfield's record now sits at 13-3. As for Ripley, their record is now 9-3.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Friday as neither team is afraid to steal. Winfield has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.3 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Ripley struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 3.4 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Winfield skirted past Ripley 5-3 when the teams last played back in March. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Generals since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
