Crooms Academy is 0-3 against Taylor since April of 2023 but things could change on Tuesday. A feisty cat fight will be fought as Crooms Academy Panthers duke it out with Taylor Wildcats at 6:30 p.m. Crooms Academy has given up an average of 8.4 runs per game this season, but Tuesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Crooms Academy is headed into Tuesday's game looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their third straight game two weeks ago. They came up short against Trinity Prep, falling 11-1.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Taylor). They put the hurt on Warner Christian Academy with a sharp 26-2 win on Monday. The Wildcats haven't had any issues with the Eagles recently, as the game was their fifth consecutive victory against them.
Hayden Worden and Chase Heimbach were a major factor no matter where they played. Throwing, Worden pitched three innings while giving up just two earned runs off two hits. Meanwhile, Heimbach tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. He has become a key player for Taylor: the team is undefeated when he allows at most one hit, but 4-5 otherwise. At the plate, Worden scored two runs and stole two bases while going 2-for-4, while Heimbach scored two runs while getting on base in four of his six plate appearances.
In other batting news, Taylor let Drew Moyer and Roberto Mancilla run wild. Moyer scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-2, while Mancilla scored three runs and stole two bases while getting on base in four of his five plate appearances. Taylor is undefeated when Moyer posts two or more runs, but 4-5 otherwise. The team also got some help courtesy of Andon Harcus, who scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-3.
Taylor kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 21 hits. That's the most hits they've posted since the start of last season.
Crooms Academy's defeat dropped their record down to 3-5. As for Taylor, their record is now 7-5.
Tuesday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Crooms Academy has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .455. However, it's not like Taylor struggles in that department as they've averaged .444. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Crooms Academy might still be hurting after the 12-2 loss they got from Taylor when the teams last played back in April of 2024. Can Crooms Academy avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
