Baseball Game Preview: Paxton Bobcats vs. Baker Gators

Paxton is a perfect 5-0 against Baker since March of 2015 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Friday. The Bobcats will challenge the Gators at 6:30 p.m. Keep an eye on the score for this one: the two teams posted some lofty run totals in their previous games.

As a matter of fact, Paxton put up the most runs they have all season on Thursday. Everything went their way against Poplar Springs as they made off with a 15-2 win. Perhaps unsurprisingly given the team's high-flying offense, the game also marked the team's biggest victory of the season.

Phillip Bearden made a splash no matter where he played. He didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits over five innings pitched. Bearden was also big at the plate, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-4.

Cade Stewart

Hits (Career)

04/03/25 @ Poplar Springs	4
03/12/25 vs Pensacola	1
03/11/25 vs Donelson Christian Academy	1
03/06/25 vs Baker	1
03/04/25 vs Pleasant Home	1

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Cade Stewart, who scored three runs and stole two bases while going 4-for-4. Those four hits gave him a new career-high. Clete Moore also deserves some recognition as he hit his first double of the season.

Paxton kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. That's the most hits they've managed all season.

Meanwhile, Baker got the win against Red Level on Tuesday by a conclusive 12-2. Considering the Gators have won ten matches by more than five runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.

Maddox Smith was incredible, going a perfect 4-for-4 with five RBI and two runs. He is becoming a predictor of Baker's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 2-5 when he doesn't). Riley Renfro was another key player, scoring two runs while going 3-for-5.

Paxton's record is now 8-5. As for Baker, their record now sits at 10-5.

Paxton beat Baker 5-2 in their previous meeting back in March. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Bobcats since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.