Baseball Game Preview: Pymatuning Valley Lakers vs. Wickliffe Blue Devils

The Pymatuning Valley Lakers will venture away from home to face off against the Wickliffe Blue Devils at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.

Pymatuning Valley will bounce into Saturday's match after beating Lakeside, who they had gone 2-7 against in their nine prior meetings. The Lakers put the hurt on the Dragons with a sharp 12-3 win on Tuesday. The victory was some much needed relief for the Lakers as it spelled an end to their three-game losing streak.

Ryan Croston

Runs

05/09/25 @ Edgewood	4
05/07/25 @ Harding	4
05/20/25 @ Lakeside	3
05/12/25 vs Conneaut	3
04/24/25 vs Lakeside	3
+ 12 more games

Ryan Croston was incredible, going 3-for-5 with two stolen bases, three runs, and three RBI. He has become a key player for Pymatuning Valley: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 3-6 otherwise. Sean Croston was another key player, getting on base in four of his six plate appearances with two stolen bases and two runs.

Pymatuning Valley always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .532. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Lakeside only posted an OBP of .300.

Meanwhile, Wickliffe gave up the first runs on Tuesday, but they didn't let that get them down. Everything went their way against Beachwood as they made off with a 14-4 win. The victory was a breath of fresh air for the Blue Devils as it put an end to their four-game losing streak.

Kaden Urban was a standout: he got on base in four of his five plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Alex Aheimer, who got on base in three of his five plate appearances with three runs and one stolen base.

Pymatuning Valley's record is now 16-6. As for Wickliffe, their record now sits at 14-8.

Saturday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Pymatuning Valley hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .372. However, it's not like Wickliffe struggles in that department as they've averaged .335. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.