Baseball Game Preview: Ranchview Wolves vs. Panther Creek Panthers

For the second straight game, Ranchview will face off against Panther Creek. Ranchview will welcome Panther Creek at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Ranchview is coming into the match on a five-game losing streak.

Ranchview fell victim to Panther Creek and their airtight pitching crew on Tuesday. They came up short against the Panthers, falling 10-0. The contest marked the first time this year in which the Wolves were not able to get on the board.

For Panther Creek's part, Cameron Flashnick was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit over four innings pitched. The dominant performance also gave Flashnick a new career-high in strikeouts (five). He was also big at the plate, scoring a run and stealing a base while getting on base in two of his four plate appearances.

In other pitching news, Dawson Stokan looked comfortable as he pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Those zero hits allowed gave him a new career-low.

Back at the plate, the team relied heavily on Caiden Kelly, who scored two runs and stole two bases while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances. Davis Stokan was another key player, scoring a run while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances.

Panther Creek was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .375. They are a perfect 6-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.

Panther Creek has been performing well recently as they've won seven of their last nine games. That's provided a nice bump to their 9-5-4 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.0 runs on average over those games. Ranchview's loss dropped their record down to 5-9-1.

Friday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Ranchview has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .467. However, it's not like Panther Creek struggles in that department as they've averaged .446. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.