The Loyd Star Hornets will square off against the Columbia Wildcats at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. Loyd Star is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.1 runs per game this season.
Loyd Star is probably headed into the contest with a chip on their shoulder considering West Lincoln just ended the team's five-game winning streak on Tuesday. They took an 8-5 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Bears.
Mason Smith made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and scored a run and stole two bases while going 1-for-2.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Columbia). They were the clear victors by a 22-1 margin over East Marion on Tuesday. The result was nothing new for the Wildcats, who have now won nine matches by seven runs or more so far this season.
Joseph White looked comfortable as he didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits over four innings pitched. The dominant performance also gave him a new career-high in strikeouts (four).
At the plate, Dillon Rowley was a standout: he scored three runs and stole a base while going 3-for-3. He has become a key player for Columbia: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 8-9 otherwise. JP Haddox was another key player, scoring three runs and stealing a base while getting on base in all five of his plate appearances.
Columbia always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .690. They are a perfect 7-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
With the win, Columbia broke their five-game losing streak and moved their record to 14-9. As for Loyd Star, their defeat dropped their record down to 12-9.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Thursday as neither team is afraid to steal. Loyd Star has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.9 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Columbia struggles in that department as they've been averaging 4.7 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Loyd Star suffered a grim 12-3 defeat to Columbia in their previous meeting back in February. Will the Hornets have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more baseball content.
