Baseball Game Preview: Van Vandals vs. Mabank Panthers

The Van Vandals will take on the Mabank Panthers at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Van is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.2 runs per game this season.

Van gave up the first runs on Saturday, but they didn't let that get them down. They walked away with a 12-8 victory over Bullard. Van's win was all the more impressive since the Panthers were averaging only 3.84 runs allowed on the season.

Braiden Peyton made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up a single earned run in three consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 2-for-5 with two RBI and one double.

In other batting news, Asher Hawkins was incredible, scoring two runs while going 3-for-4. What's more, he posted two RBI, the most he's had over his last seven games. Rawly Hinch was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing Two bases. while going 2-for-3.

Van kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 14 hits. That's the most hits they've managed all season.

Meanwhile, Mabank beat Lindale 9-5 on Friday.

Van has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won six of their last seven matches. That's provided a nice bump to their 16-6-1 record this season. The wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.1 runs over those games. Mabank's victory bumped their record up to 6-9.

Van couldn't quite get it done against Mabank when the teams last played back in February of 2024 as they fell 4-1. Will Van have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.