The Johnson County Longhorns will square off against the Mitchell Mountaineers at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Johnson County has given up an average of 13.2 runs per game this season, so hopefully the team got some pitching drills in this week.
Mitchell is facing Johnson County at the wrong time: Johnson County suffered their first home loss of the season on Thursday and they're likely out for redemption. They lost 30-9 to the Huskies. The Longhorns have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Kaden Blevins was cooking despite his team's loss, scoring two runs while going 3-for-3. He also put up a double, which was his first of the season. Another player making a difference was Chris Wilson, who scored two runs while going 1-for-3.
For whatever reason, it's the away team that's had the advantage when Mitchell and Hampton meet (three straight games heading into this one) and that held true again on Thursday. Everything went Mitchell's way against Hampton as Mitchell made off with a 15-2 win. With that victory, the Mountaineers brought their scoring average up to 7 runs per game.
Jace Blanton and AJ Mackey made a big impact no matter where they played. Throwing, Blanton tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Mackey struck out ten batters over five innings while giving up just two earned runs off five hits (and only one walk). Those ten strikeouts gave him a new career-high. At the plate, Blanton scored a run while getting on base in all three of his plate appearances, while Mackey went a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run and three RBI.
In other batting news, Mitchell got a massive performance out of Jett Williams, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 1-for-3. The dominant performance also gave Williams a new career-high in RBI (three). Riley Silver was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing Two bases. while going 2-for-4.
Mitchell kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 13 hits. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Hampton only managed six hits.
Johnson County's loss dropped their record down to 3-3. As for Mitchell, their win bumped their record up to 2-3.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Johnson County has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Mitchell struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.2 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
