The Quapaw Wildcats are taking a road trip to challenge the Grove Ridgerunners at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Quapaw is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.4 runs per game this season.
On Monday, Quapaw got the win against Colcord by a conclusive 12-2. The win continues a trend for the Wildcats in their matchups with the Hornets: they've now won seven in a row.
Hayden Radford made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over four innings while giving up just two earned runs off four hits (and only one walk). What's more, he gave up only one walk, the fewest he's had since back in April of 2024. He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run and stealing a base.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Jace Gregory, who scored two runs and stole Two bases. while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances. What's more, he posted two hits, the most he's had since back in May of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Cooper Welch, who scored two runs while going 3-for-4.
Quapaw always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .633. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Grove). They came out on top against Miami by a score of 9-4 on Monday.
Like Quapaw, Grove also got a great game from a two-way player: Brady Dalton. On the mound, he struck out seven batters over seven innings while giving up four earned runs off 13 hits. Dalton has been consistent recently: he hasn't tossed less than seven strikeouts in three consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with one triple and one RBI. Those hits were his first of the season.
In other batting news, Grove got a big performance out of Aidan Davis, who scored a run while going 2-for-4. Davis also put up two doubles, which were his first of the season. Avery Petty was another key player, scoring two runs while going 2-for-3.
Quapaw's record now sits at 4-6. As for Grove, their record is now 2-3.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Quapaw has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.8 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Grove struggles in that department as they've been averaging 6.6 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.
