The Arcola Purple Riders are taking a road trip to challenge the Argenta-Oreana Bombers at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Arcola is currently enjoying a perfect season and no doubt wants to keep things rolling.
Last Monday, Arcola got the win against Heritage by a conclusive 16-5. Considering the Purple Riders have won seven matches by more than five runs this season, Monday's blowout was nothing new.
Brody Phillips made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He struck out six batters over three innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off four hits (and only one walk). He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, scoring three runs and stealing two bases while going 2-for-3.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Brevyn Whisman, who fired off three home runs, six RBI, and four runs while going 3-for-3. That's the most hits he has posted since back in April of 2024. Jackson Griffith also deserves some recognition as he launched his first home run of the season.
Arcola lost a few balls and finished the game with four home runs. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Heritage only launched one home run.
Meanwhile, Argenta-Oreana fought the good fight in their extra-innings contest against Heyworth on Tuesday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell just short of the Hornets by a score of 8-7. The Bombers haven't had much luck with the Hornets recently, as the team has come up short the last three times they've met.
Like Arcola, Argenta-Oreana also got a great game from a two-way player: Landon Jackson. On the mound, he pitched four innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off three hits. Jackson was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs and stealing a base while getting on base in three of his five plate appearances.
In other batting news, Lucas Camfield was cooking despite his team's loss, scoring a run and stealing three bases while getting on base in four of his five plate appearances. Another player making a difference was Bryson Cameron, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 1-for-4.
Arcola pushed their record up to 8-0 with the win, which was their sixth straight at home dating back to last season. Those home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 13.7 runs over those games. As for Argenta-Oreana, their loss dropped their record down to 7-4.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Thursday as neither team is afraid to steal. Arcola has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.6 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Argenta-Oreana struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 7.3 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Everything went Arcola's way against Argenta-Oreana when the teams last played back in April of 2024, as Arcola made off with a 12-2 win. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Purple Riders since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
