Baseball Game Preview: Plant City Raiders vs. Gaither Cowboys

The Plant City Raiders are taking a road trip to take on the Gaither Cowboys at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. Plant City's pitching crew has only allowed 3.3 runs per game this season, so Gaither's hitters will have their work cut out for them.

Plant City barely beat Spoto the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. Plant City was the clear victors by a 10-1 margin over Spoto on Tuesday. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Raiders.

Hagan Smith

Earned Runs

02/22/25 - Home

2

Hagan Smith tossed a big game, keeping things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out 12 over six innings pitched. He also tossed no earned runs, which is notable because Plant City is undefeated when he allows at most two earned runs, but 1-2 otherwise.

On the hitting side, Eli Thomas was a standout: he scored two runs and stole a base while getting on base in three of his five plate appearances. Tyler Black also deserves some recognition as he brought in his first RBI of the season.

Meanwhile, Gaither fell victim to Robinson and their airtight pitching crew on Tuesday. They took a 3-0 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Knights. The Cowboys have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Gaither also got a good showing from Adam Smolka, who tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits.

Gaither's loss dropped their record down to 4-2. As for Plant City, their record is now an identical 4-2.

The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Plant City has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 9.5 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Gaither struggles in that department as they've been averaging 11 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.

Plant City couldn't quite finish off Gaither in their previous matchup back in April of 2024 and fell 5-3. Can Plant City avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.