Baseball Game Preview: Wilby Wildcats vs. Derby Red Raiders

Wilby hasn't had much luck against Derby recently, but that could start to change on Wednesday. The Wildcats will take on the Red Raiders at 5:30 p.m. Wilby has given up an average of 11.8 runs per game this season, but Wednesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Wilby came into their game on Wednesday off a hard-fought close win, but unfortunately suffered a serious change of fortune. They lost 20-3 to Thomaston.

Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Derby, who bounced back after a loss on the road last Tuesday. They were the clear victors by a 10-1 margin over Crosby on Tuesday. The victory continues a trend for the Red Raiders in their matchups with the Bulldogs: they've now won seven in a row.

Isaac McNeill was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than one walk in three consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in all three of his plate appearances with two stolen bases and one RBI. That's the most stolen bases he has posted since back in May of 2024.

In other batting news, Vincent Nuzzo was a standout: he went 1-for-4 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. He has become a key player for Derby: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 2-13 otherwise. Brooklyn Fernandez was another key player, going 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI.

Wilby's loss dropped their record down to 3-10. As for Derby, their record now sits at 6-13.

Wilby suffered a grim 9-1 defeat to Derby in their previous meeting back in April. Can the Wildcats avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.