The Melrose Buffaloes will square off against the Elida Tigers at 3:00 p.m. on Monday. Melrose has given up an average of 12.1 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Melrose is headed into Monday's game looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fourth straight game on Friday. They came up short against Gateway Christian, falling 26-1.
Josiah Roybal
| 04/18/25 vs Gateway Christian | 1 |
| 04/18/25 vs Gateway Christian | 1 |
| 04/16/25 @ Magdalena | 1 |
| 04/14/25 @ Dora | 1 |
| 04/11/25 @ Elida | 2 |
| + 3 more games |
Melrose saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Josiah Roybal, who went 1-for-3 with one stolen base. Roybal is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as he's now snagged at least one in each of the last eight games he's played.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Elida). They put the hurt on Floyd with a sharp 28-7 win on Monday. The victory was some much needed relief for the Tigers as it spelled an end to their three-game losing streak.
Radlee Ferguson and Bodey Fraze were major factors no matter where they played. Throwing, Ferguson tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Fraze pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. He is becoming a predictor of Elida's success: when he allows at most one hit the team is undefeated (and 2-3 when he doesn't). At the plate, Ferguson went 3-for-5 with five runs, two stolen bases, and one double, while Fraze went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI. That's the most stolen bases Fraze has posted since back in April of 2024.
In other batting news, Elida got a massive performance out of Hardy Fraze, who went 3-for-5 with one home run, three runs, and four RBI. That's the most RBI Fraze has posted since back in April of 2024. Another player making a difference was James Dobbins, who went 3-for-5 with four stolen bases, three runs, and three RBI.
Elida always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .600. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Elida's win bumped their record up to 5-3. As for Melrose, they now have a losing record of 7-8.
Monday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Melrose has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .548. However, it's not like Elida struggles in that department as they've averaged .450. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other baseball content.
