Rocky Grove and Maplewood are an even 5-5 against one another since May of 2019, but likely not for long. The Orioles will square off against the Tigers at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Rocky Grove is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7 runs per game this season.
Rocky Grove had to skate by with only a two-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the 11-run drubbing they dealt Jamestown on Monday. The Orioles' pitchers stepped up to hand the Muskies an 11-0 shutout. The high-flying hitting performance was a huge turnaround for the Orioles considering their two-run performance the matchup before.
Haydon Bevier was a major factor no matter where he played. He didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit over four innings pitched. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than one hit in three consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with three RBI.
Preston Keith
| 05/12/25 @ Jamestown | 3 |
| 04/28/25 vs Cochranton | 3 |
| 04/17/25 vs Cambridge Springs | 3 |
| 05/08/25 @ Cambridge Springs | 2 |
| 03/24/25 vs Iroquois | 2 |
| + 2 more games |
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Preston Keith, who went 3-for-4 with three runs, one double, and one RBI. Rocky Grove is undefeated when Keith posts two or more runs, but 4-8 otherwise. Isaac Grigsby was another key player, going 1-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI.
Meanwhile, it was a proper cat-fight when Maplewood took on Cochranton on Monday. The Tigers skirted past the Cardinals 5-4. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Tigers have posted since March 25, 2024.
Paul Hirosky was excellent, going 2-for-3 with three RBI and one double. Another player making a difference was Elijah Hochstetler, who went 1-for-3 with two runs and one stolen base.
The victory was the third in a row for Maplewood, bringing their record up to 10-6. The wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.7 runs over those games. As for Rocky Grove, they now have a winning record of 9-8.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Wednesday as neither team is afraid to steal. Rocky Grove has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.6 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Maplewood struggles in that department as they've been averaging 4.8 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Rocky Grove might still be hurting after the 10-0 loss they got from Maplewood in their previous matchup back in April. Can the Orioles avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
