For the first time this season, Venture Academy will have a chance to prove themselves in a conference matchup. They will be playing in front of their home fans against the River Islands Riptide at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Venture Academy is coming into the matchup on a four-game losing streak.
Friday just wasn't the day for Venture Academy's offense. They came up short against Marysville on Friday, falling 10-0. The game marked the first time this season in which the Mustangs were not able to get on the board.
Tanner Gantt
| 03/20/26 @ Marysville | 4 |
| 03/19/26 @ Sheldon | 2 |
| 03/10/26 @ West | 1 |
| 03/05/26 vs Galt | 1 |
| 03/03/26 @ Galt | 3 |
Tanner Gantt made the most of his time in the batter's box despite the final result and went a perfect 2-for-2 with four stolen bases and one double. He has been hot, having posted at least one stolen base the last five times he's played.
River Islands never got on the board in their matchup on Monday, but that sure wasn't the case in their game against Leroy Greene Academy on Thursday. They blew past the Lions 20-9. The result was nothing new for the Riptide, who have now won five contests by eight runs or more so far this season.
Daryl Carpenter was a standout: he got on base in all five of his plate appearances with three runs, four RBI, and one triple. Another player making a difference was Matthew Echivarre, who went 3-for-5 with three runs, three RBI, and one triple.
River Islands kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 14 hits. They are a perfect 5-0 when they post 11 or more hits.
River Islands now has a winning record of 6-5. As for Venture Academy, their loss dropped their record down to 2-6.
Wednesday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Venture Academy has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .446. However, it's not like River Islands struggles in that department as they've averaged .476. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Everything went Venture Academy's way against River Islands when the teams last played back in March of 2025, as Venture Academy made off with an 11-1 victory. Do the Mustangs have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Riptide turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
