For the second straight game, Crete-Monee will face off against Rich Township. The Warriors will be playing in front of their home fans against the Raptors at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Crete-Monee is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.2 runs per game this season.
Crete-Monee is probably headed into the matchup with a chip on their shoulder considering Rich Township just ended the team's four-game winning streak on Monday. They fell just short of the Raptors by a score of 7-5. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest loss the Warriors have suffered since March 22nd.
For Rich Township's part, Kobe Burnette made a splash no matter where he played. He tossed 1.1 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Burnette has been consistent for a while: he hasn't given up more than two walks in 14 consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with two RBI and one double.
In other pitching news, Rich Township got a great performance from Landon Hughes as he pitched 5.2 innings while giving up just two earned (and three unearned) runs off three hits. Hughes also tossed a walk, which is notable because the Raptors are 2-1 when he allows at most one walk, but 10-11 otherwise.
Back at the plate, Brandon Bankhead was excellent, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with two runs, one double, and one RBI. Rich Township is 7-1 when Bankhead posts two or more runs, but 5-11 otherwise.
Rich Township kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least nine hits in four consecutive games.
Rich Township has been performing well recently as they've won five of their last six contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 12-12 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.8 runs on average over those games. As for Crete-Monee, their defeat dropped their record down to 16-11.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Wednesday as neither team is afraid to steal. Crete-Monee has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 8.4 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Rich Township struggles in that department as they've been averaging 6.7 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.
