The Chandler Park Academy Eagles will head out to square off against the River Rouge Panthers at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
University Prep hit Chandler Park Academy with a four-run second inning on Friday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Eagles and the Panthers finished up their game with a 6-6 draw.
Meanwhile, River Rouge waltzed into their matchup on Friday with two straight wins... but they left with three. They blew past Rose Leadership Academy 16-9. Considering the Panthers have won four contests by more than six runs this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.
Nathaniel Stallworth and Noah Stallworth made a big impact while hitting and pitching. Throwing, Stallworth struck out six batters over two innings while giving up just two earned runs but no hits. Meanwhile, Noah pitched 1.2 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. At bat, Stallworth got on base in all four of his plate appearances with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI, while Noah got on base in all three of his plate appearances with two stolen bases and two runs. Noah is becoming a predictor of River Rouge's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 1-3 when he doesn't).
In other batting news, Darius Thompson III was incredible, going a perfect 2-for-2 with four stolen bases, four RBI, and two runs. Thompson III is crushing it when it comes to stolen bases: he's snagged at least two every time he's taken the field this season. Another player making a difference was Winston Brown, who got on base in all three of his plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and two RBI.
River Rouge always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .846. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
River Rouge now has a winning record of 4-3. With that draw, Chandler Park Academy's record moves to 4-3-1.
Tuesday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Chandler Park Academy has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .533. However, it's not like River Rouge struggles in that department as they've averaged .720. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Chandler Park Academy suffered a grim 16-4 defeat to River Rouge when the teams last played back in May of 2023. Can the Eagles avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
