Talawanda and Hamilton are an even 3-3 against one another since April of 2016, but likely not for long. The Brave will face off against the Big Blue at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday. Talawanda is coming into the contest hot, having won their last five games.
On Thursday, Talawanda got the win against Northwest by a conclusive 21-1. Considering the Brave have won six matchups by more than five runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.
Jack Stigall
| 04/10/25 vs Oak Hills | 4 |
| 04/17/25 @ Northwest | 1 |
| 03/21/25 vs Middletown | 1 |
Jack Stigall tossed a big game, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only one hit while striking out eight over five innings pitched. He has become a key player for Talawanda: the team is 2-1 when he allows at most one hit, but 5-6 otherwise.
On the hitting side, Hunter Griffin was a standout: he went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, three runs, and four RBI. Talawanda is undefeated when Griffin posts three or more RBI, but 4-7 otherwise. Ryan Wright also deserves some recognition as he launched his first home run of the season.
Meanwhile, Hamilton came into Thursday's game having lost five straight, but that streak is now in the rearview. They came out on top in a nail-biter against Princeton on Thursday, sneaking past 6-4. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Big Blue have posted since May 16, 2024.
Peyton Davis spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered three earned (and one unearned) runs on eight hits.
At the plate, Hamilton got a big performance out of Austin Payne, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs, one double, and one RBI. Another player making a difference was Noah Davidson, who got on base in all four of his plate appearances with two RBI and one run.
Hamilton's record now sits at 4-6. As for Talawanda, the victory got them back to even at 7-7.
Talawanda skirted past Hamilton 6-5 when the teams last played back in April of 2024. Will the Brave repeat their success, or do the Big Blue have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
