Baseball Game Preview: Gulf Buccaneers vs. River Ridge Royal Knights

Gulf hasn't had much luck against River Ridge recently, but that could start to change on Wednesday. The Buccaneers will square off against the Royal Knights at 6:00 p.m.

Gulf is headed into Wednesday's match looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fourth straight game on Monday. They came up short against Hudson, falling 9-2.

Gulf saw seven different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Gabe Nenno, who scored a run and stole a base while going 1-for-2.

Meanwhile, River Ridge hadn't done well against Mitchell recently (they were 0-9 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Tuesday. The Royal Knights walked away with an 8-4 victory over the Mustangs.

Cameron Kessell made a big impact no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching four innings while giving up three earned runs off four hits. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with one double and one RBI.

In other pitching news, Carson Cooley looked comfortable as he struck out six batters over three innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits (and only one walk). He has been consistent : he hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive appearances.

River Ridge's record is now 9-6. As for Gulf, their defeat dropped their record down to 6-9.

The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Wednesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Gulf has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.5 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like River Ridge struggles in that department as they've been averaging 6.9 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.

Gulf might still be hurting after the 10-0 loss they got from River Ridge in their previous matchup back in February of 2024. Can the Buccaneers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.