The Willow Spring Storm will venture away from home to square off against the Middle Creek Mustangs at 4:00 p.m. on Monday. Willow Spring is coming into the contest on a three-game losing streak.
On Thursday, Willow Spring didn't have quite enough to beat Fuquay-Varina and fell 4-3.
Willow Spring got a good showing from Colby Harbin, who struck out six batters over two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and not a single walk).
On the hitting side, Gio Tafalla made the most of his time in the batter's box despite the final result and went 2-for-3 with one home run and two RBI. That home run was his first of the season.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Middle Creek, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Tuesday. Everything went their way against Green Level on Wednesday as they made off with a 14-6 victory.
Leo Lupienski made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He tossed four innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits. Lupienski was even better at the plate, going 2-for-4 with one home run, six RBI, and two runs.
Middle Creek always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .575. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Green Level only posted an OBP of .429.
Middle Creek's first win this season bumped their record up to 1-2. As for Willow Spring, their loss dropped their record down to 1-3.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Monday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Willow Spring has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.2 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Middle Creek struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Everything went Willow Spring's way against Middle Creek in their previous matchup last Wednesday, as Willow Spring made off with a 9-0 victory. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Storm since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
