Raymond Central hasn't had much luck against Central City/Centura recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Mustangs will welcome the Kernels at 4:30 p.m.
Raymond Central is headed into Tuesday's contest looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fourth straight game on Monday. They were a single run away from ending the streak, but they lost a 7-6 heartbreaker at the hands of Auburn.
Hunter Sykes put in work while hitting and pitching. He didn't allow a single earned run over five innings pitched. What's more, he gave up only zero earned runs, the fewest he's had since back in April of 2024. He was also big at the plate, scoring two runs while going 3-for-4. He also brought in two RBI, marking his first of the season.
Sykes wasn't the only one making solid contact as four players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Tucker Matulka, who went 2-for-4 with two RBI. Adam Jamison also deserves some recognition as he scored his first run of the season.
Meanwhile, Central City/Centura strolled into their game on Monday with a perfect record and they left with the same. They put the hurt on St. Paul/Palmer with a sharp 10-4 win. Ten seems to be a good number for the Kernels as the team scooped up a victory with the same number of runs in their previous game.
Like Raymond Central, Central City/Centura also got a great game from a two-way player: Conner Erickson. On the mound, he didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out six over four innings pitched. Erickson has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than two hits any time he's pitched this season. He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run while getting on base in three of his five plate appearances.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Jakob Ruhl, who scored a run while going 2-for-4. The dominant performance also gave him a new career-high in doubles (two). Colter Lueders was another key player, scoring a run while going 3-for-4.
Central City/Centura always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .513. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Central City/Centura's win was their fifth straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 4-0. Those home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.2 runs on average over those games. As for Raymond Central, their defeat dropped their record down to 1-6.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Tuesday as neither team is afraid to steal. Raymond Central has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.9 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Central City/Centura struggles in that department as they've been averaging 2.8 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Raymond Central might still be hurting after the 13-1 loss they got from Central City/Centura when the teams last played back in March of 2024. Will the Mustangs have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
