The Poyen Indians will head out on the road to challenge the Hampton Bulldogs at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Poyen has given up an average of 10.5 runs per game this season, so hopefully the team got some pitching drills in this week.
Having struggled with five defeats in a row dating back to last season, Poyen turned things around against Magnet Cove on Tuesday. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 14-12 win over the Panthers. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Indians have posted against the Panthers since March 26, 2018.
Layton Russell made a splash no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching three innings while giving up just one earned run off one hit. Russell was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring a run while going 3-for-4. The dominant performance also gave him a new career-high in doubles (two).
In other batting news, Hunter Woods was a standout: he scored three runs and stole Two bases. while going 2-for-3. That's the most hits he has posted since back in April of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Landon Crosby, who went 3-for-5 with three runs, one triple, and one double.
Poyen always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .553. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Hampton was not able to break out of their rough patch on Tuesday as the team picked up their fourth straight loss. They lost 12-0 to Fordyce.
Hampton's defeat dropped their record down to 1-8. As for Poyen, their win (their first of the season) made their record 1-3.
Hampton's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Poyen hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .377. It's a different story for Hampton, though, as they've only averaged .191. Will they be able to contain Poyen's hitters?
Poyen couldn't quite finish off Hampton in their previous meeting last Tuesday and fell 5-3. Can Poyen avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
