Baseball Game Preview: Roxana Shells vs. Mt. Zion Braves

The Roxana Shells are taking a road trip to take on the Mt. Zion Braves at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. Roxana is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8 runs per game this season.

Roxana is probably headed into the contest with a chip on their shoulder considering Collinsville just ended the team's four-game winning streak on Friday. They took a 9-4 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Kahoks.

Max Autery was cooking despite his team's loss, going 3-for-4 with three doubles, one run, and one RBI.

Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Mt. Zion, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Thursday. They put the hurt on Springfield with a sharp 8-0 victory on Friday. The Braves have beaten Springfield the last three times they've met, but they better watch out: this was the closest Springfield has come to flipping the script.

The result came thanks to Jaxson Nickell's shutout, as he gave up just a hit and racked up six Ks. He has been consistent for a while: he hasn't given up more than two walks in nine consecutive appearances.

At the plate, Davis Venters was incredible, going 2-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. That's the most runs he has posted since back in April. AJ Miller also deserves some recognition as he snagged his first stolen base of the season.

Mt. Zion's win bumped their record up to 16-11. As for Roxana, their defeat dropped their record down to 19-7.

Monday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Roxana has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .434. However, it's not like Mt. Zion struggles in that department as they've averaged .440. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other baseball content.