Baseball Game Preview: Smithville Smithies vs. Rittman Indians

For the second straight game, Smithville will face off against Rittman. The Smithies will welcome the Indians at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Smithville has given up an average of 7.4 runs per game this season, but Wednesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Smithville came up short against Rittman on Monday, falling 15-5. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest loss the Smithies have suffered against the Indians since April 6, 2016.

For Rittman's part, Caleb Smith was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over three innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits. Smith was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in all five of his plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and three RBI. Those two stolen bases gave him a new career-high.

In other batting news, Rittman got a massive performance out of Spencer Welch, who scored two runs and stole two bases while getting on base in all five of his plate appearances. What's more, Welch posted two hits, the most he's had since back in March of 2024. Brayden Louk was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances.

Rittman always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .625. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.

Smithville now has a losing record of 2-3. As for Rittman, they now have a winning record of 3-2.