Baseball Game Preview: Maranatha Christian Academy Eagles vs. Kansas City Christian School Panthers

The Maranatha Christian Academy Eagles are taking a road trip to take on the Kansas City Christian School Panthers at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday. Maranatha Christian Academy is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 9.9 runs per game this season.

Having struggled with four losses in a row, Maranatha Christian Academy turned things around against Guadalupe Centers on Monday. They were the clear victors by a 20-3 margin over the Aztecs.

Auden Smail

Runs

04/08/25 vs Kansas City Christian School	3
04/01/25 vs Schlagle	3
04/21/25 vs Guadalupe Centers	2
04/14/25 vs Barstow	1
04/11/25 @ Heritage Christian Academy	1

Lake Padgett and Auden Smail made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, Padgett pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Smail pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Padgett has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than one hit in three consecutive appearances. At bat, Padgett went a perfect 2-for-2 with two stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI, while Smail went 2-for-3 with three RBI and two runs. Smail is becoming a predictor of Maranatha Christian Academy's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is 2-1 (and 0-5 when he doesn't).

In other batting news, Maranatha Christian Academy got a massive performance out of Caleb Cronin, who got on base in all three of his plate appearances with three stolen bases, three runs, and two RBI. Owen Smail was another key player, going 2-for-3 with three runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.

Maranatha Christian Academy always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .677. They are 2-1 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.

Meanwhile, Kansas City Christian School was not able to break out of their rough patch on Tuesday as the team picked up their fourth straight defeat. They came up short against Christ Prep Academy, falling 15-5.

Kansas City Christian School's loss dropped their record down to 1-5. As for Maranatha Christian Academy, their record is now 2-6.