The West Branch Warriors will take on the Claysburg-Kimmel Bulldogs at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. West Branch is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.8 runs per game this season.
On Tuesday, West Branch got the win against Glendale by a conclusive 16-2. Considering the Warriors have won six games by more than seven runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
Logan Liptak
| 04/22/25 @ Glendale | 7 |
| 04/29/24 vs Harmony Area | 5 |
| 03/24/25 vs Huntingdon | 2 |
| 03/25/24 @ Harmony Area | 2 |
| 04/16/25 @ Mount Union | 1 |
Logan Liptak was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run while striking out seven over four innings pitched. Those seven strikeouts gave him a new career-high. He was also big at the plate, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with two runs and two RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Hansen Lannen, who got on base in three of his five plate appearances with two RBI and one run. Coby Kephart was another key player, earning one RBI, one run, and one stolen base.
West Branch always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .568. They are a perfect 5-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Meanwhile, Tuesday just wasn't the day for Claysburg-Kimmel's offense. They took a 3-0 hit to the loss column at the hands of Tussey Mountain on Tuesday. It was the first time this season that the Bulldogs let down their fans at home.
Gavin Treon spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered three earned runs on nine hits and racked up six Ks. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than one walk in three consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Claysburg-Kimmel saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Brayden Haney, who went 2-for-3 with one stolen base. Haney has been hot recently, having posted at least one stolen base the last three times he's played.
West Branch's victory bumped their record up to 6-4. As for Claysburg-Kimmel, their defeat dropped their record down to 7-4.
Thursday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. West Branch has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .476. However, it's not like Claysburg-Kimmel struggles in that department as they've averaged .431. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.
