The Frankfort Falcons will venture away from home to take on the Hedgesville Eagles at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. Frankfort is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.7 runs per game this season.
Frankfort is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of West Virginia's top teams: Jefferson, who was ranked third at the time (Frankfort was ranked 13th). The Falcons fell 5-2 to the Cougars on Wednesday. It was the first time this season that the Falcons let down their fans at home.
Lanson Orndorf spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered just two earned (and three unearned) runs on four hits and racked up nine Ks. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Blake Jacobs was cooking despite his team's loss, going 2-for-4 with one run, one double, and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Hedgesville waltzed into their matchup on Wednesday with three straight wins... but they left with four. They put the hurt on the Lions with a sharp 13-6 win.
Mason Elliott made a big impact no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run while striking out six over four innings pitched. Elliott was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double. That's the most runs he has posted over his last 11 games.
In other batting news, Austin Manor was incredible, going 2-for-4 with four RBI, two runs, and one double. Those four RBI gave him a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Landon Pence, who went 2-for-4 with three runs, one stolen base, and one double.
Hedgesville kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 13 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least nine hits in three consecutive contests.
Frankfort's defeat dropped their record down to 17-7. As for Hedgesville, their record now sits at 17-8.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Frankfort has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Hedgesville struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8.2 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Frankfort was able to grind out a solid victory over Hedgesville in their previous matchup back in April, winning 5-0. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Falcons since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
