Ashton-Franklin Center hasn't had much luck against Dakota recently, but that could start to change on Wednesday. The Raiders will look to defend their home field against the Indians at 4:30 p.m. Ashton-Franklin Center is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.7 runs per game this season.
Ashton-Franklin Center is headed in fresh off scoring the most runs they have all season. They blew past Alden-Hebron 22-8 on Tuesday. The victory continues a trend for the Raiders in their matchups with the Green Giants: they've now won three in a row.
Ben Rockwood
| 05/13/25 @ Alden-Hebron | 7 |
| 04/25/25 @ Indian Creek | 2 |
| 04/23/25 vs Orangeville | 2 |
| 04/05/25 @ Lena-Winslow | 2 |
| 03/17/25 vs Forreston | 2 |
Aaron Lester and Ben Rockwood were major factors no matter where they played. On the mound, Lester pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Rockwood struck out seven batters over five innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off five hits. Those seven strikeouts gave him a new career-high. At bat, Lester went 2-for-5 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI, while Rockwood got on base in all three of his plate appearances with two stolen bases and one run. Lester has become a key player for Ashton-Franklin Center: the team is 10-1 when he posts at least two runs, but 6-9 otherwise.
In other batting news, Ashton-Franklin Center got a massive performance out of Brock Lehman, who went 4-for-5 with two stolen bases, five RBI, and two runs. The dominant performance also gave Lehman a new career-high in doubles (two). Logan O'Brien was another key player, going 2-for-4 with four runs, two stolen bases, and two RBI.
Ashton-Franklin Center was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .447. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .308 or higher in seven consecutive contests.
Meanwhile, Dakota entered their tilt with Durand/Pecatonica on Monday with two consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with three. They came within a single run of losing the streak, but they secured a 9-8 W against the Rivermen.
Brody Keeney made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over five innings while giving up just two earned (and three unearned) runs off four hits. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in eight consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two RBI and one run.
In other batting news, Braxton Mazurkiewicz was a standout: he went 2-for-5 with two RBI and one run. Another player making a difference was Brodie Goode, who went 2-for-5 with two stolen bases and two runs.
Ashton-Franklin Center's win bumped their record up to 16-10. As for Dakota, their victory bumped their record up to 16-12.
Wednesday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Ashton-Franklin Center has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .458. However, it's not like Dakota struggles in that department as they've averaged .441. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Ashton-Franklin Center might still be hurting after the 15-4 defeat they got from Dakota when the teams last played back in April of 2024. Can the Raiders avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
