Baseball Game Recap: ITW David Speer Academy Pride vs. Payton College Prep Grizzlies

ITW David Speer Academy had lost three straight on the road, but on Tuesday they dropped their record down to 8-9 to make it four. They might be feeling deja-vu: they lost 11-1 to the Payton College Prep Grizzlies, which was the same score (and result) they got the week prior. The Pride were not able to make up for their loss to the Grizzlies from their previous meeting back in May of 2024.

As for Payton College Prep, the win made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 12-15. They might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won nine contests by six runs or more this season.

For Payton College Prep's part, Anthony Arena made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he struck out six batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Arena also tossed no earned runs, which is notable because Payton College Prep is 2-1 when he allows at most one earned run, but 10-14 otherwise. Arena was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with two RBI and one run. Those two RBI gave him a new career-high.

In other batting news, Nick Linares was excellent, going 3-for-4 with two runs, one double, and one RBI. Payton College Prep is undefeated when Linares posts three or more hits, but 7-15 otherwise. Another player making a difference was Derek Patton, who went 1-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one double.

Looking ahead, ITW David Speer Academy will venture away from home to take on Steinmetz College Prep at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. As for Payton College Prep, they will welcome Lincoln Park at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The Grizzlies are facing the Lions at the right time seeing as the Lions are stuck on a four-game losing streak.