The Maplewood Tigers will take on the Lakeview Sailors at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Maplewood has given up an average of 6.6 runs per game this season, but Wednesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
It was a proper cat-fight when Maplewood faced off against Saegertown on Friday. The Tigers came up short against the Panthers, falling 19-6. The loss was the Tigers' first of the season.
Maplewood saw six different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Kyle Jordan, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. Gavin Reynolds also deserves some recognition as he hit his first double of the season.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Lakeview, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Friday. They never let Cochranton get on the board and left with an 11-0 victory on Monday. Considering the Sailors have won four matches by more than ten runs this season, Monday's blowout was nothing new.
Parker Montgomery was a major factor no matter where he played. He didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out six over four innings pitched. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two hits in four consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two RBI and one double. That's the most RBI he has posted since back in May of 2024.
In other batting news, Brady Martin was incredible, going a perfect 1-for-1 with one home run, three runs, and three RBI. Those three runs gave him a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Lucas Fagley, who scored a run and stole two bases while going 1-for-1.
Lakeview always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .556. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Cochranton only posted an OBP of .188.
Lakeview's win was their 11th straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 5-1. The home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.3 runs over those games. As for Maplewood, their loss was their first of the season and makes their record 4-1.
Wednesday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Maplewood has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .453. However, it's not like Lakeview struggles in that department as they've averaged .454. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Maplewood skirted past Lakeview 6-5 in their previous matchup back in April of 2016. Will the Tigers repeat their success, or do the Sailors have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
