Mount View is 2-8 against Greater Beckley Christian since April of 2021 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Friday. The Golden Knights will venture away from home to square off against the Crusaders at 6:00 p.m. Both come into the matchup bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Mount View let Greenbrier West stack four runs on them in the first inning on Thursday but luckily Mount View prevailed anyway. The Golden Knights came out on top in a nail-biter against the Cavaliers, sneaking past 8-6. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Golden Knights have posted since April 17th.
Brayden Brewer was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out nine batters over 5.2 innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off two hits. Brewer was also big at the plate, going 1-for-2 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI.
In other batting news, Levi Barton was excellent, earning two RBI, one run, and two stolen bases. Hunter Muncy was another key player, getting on base in two of his four plate appearances with two stolen bases and one run.
Greater Beckley Christian came out on top against Greenbrier West on Wednesday thanks in part to the team's impressive seven-run sixth inning. The Crusaders put the hurt on the Cavaliers with a sharp 12-1 victory. The result was nothing new for the Crusaders, who have now won seven contests by six runs or more so far this season.
Like Mount View, Greater Beckley Christian also got a great game from a two-way player: Eli Gunter. He tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. Gunter has been consistent for a while: he hasn't given up more than two walks in ten consecutive appearances. He was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with three runs, one stolen base, and one double. He is becoming a predictor of Greater Beckley Christian's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is 8-2 (and 6-7 when he doesn't).
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Paul Fox, who fired off two home runs and six RBI while going 2-for-3. Those six RBI gave him a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Kaden Bolen, who went 2-for-3 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run.
Greater Beckley Christian lost a few balls and finished the game with two home runs. That's the most home runs they've managed all season.
Mount View has been performing well recently as they've won five of their last six games. That's provided a massive bump to their 14-8-1 record this season. The wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.7 runs on average over those games. As for Greater Beckley Christian, their victory was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 14-9.
Friday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Mount View has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .478. However, it's not like Greater Beckley Christian struggles in that department as they've averaged .458. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Mount View suffered a grim 16-9 defeat to Greater Beckley Christian in their previous matchup back in April. Can the Golden Knights avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
