The Independence 76ers will face off against the Marion-Franklin Red Devils at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. The timing isn't great for Independence: they have been struggling with four straight losses at home, while Marion-Franklin has snatched up three consecutive wins on the road.
Independence barely beat Walnut Ridge the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. The 76ers put the hurt on the Scots with a sharp 13-2 win last Wednesday. Considering the 76ers have won five contests by more than nine runs this season, Wednesday's blowout was nothing new.
Romeo Morales was a major factor no matter where he played. On the mound, he tossed 2.1 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Morales was also solid in the batter's box, earning one run and three stolen bases.
Derek Pigott
| 05/06/26 @ Walnut Ridge | 6 |
| 04/20/26 vs Walnut Ridge | 2 |
| 04/13/26 @ Eastmoor Academy | 2 |
| 04/27/26 vs South | 1 |
| 04/01/26 @ South | 1 |
In other batting news, Derek Pigott was a standout: he got on base in all three of his plate appearances with six stolen bases and two runs. He is becoming a predictor of Independence's success: when he posts at least two stolen bases the team is undefeated (and 6-7 when he doesn't). Another player making a difference was Corinthian Malone, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with six stolen bases and three runs.
Independence was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .381. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Walnut Ridge only posted a batting average of .083.
Meanwhile, it was close, but on Thursday Marion-Franklin sidestepped South for a 7-6 victory.
Like Independence, Marion-Franklin also got a great game from a two-way player: Marvin RJ Robinson. He struck out 15 batters over six innings while giving up four earned runs off only two hits. Robinson has been consistent recently: he hasn't tossed less than nine strikeouts in three consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with one stolen base, one run, and one double.
In other batting news, Jamarion Parks was incredible, going 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, three RBI, and one run. Those three RBI gave him a new career-high. Chris Tatum was another key player, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with two stolen bases and two runs.
Marion-Franklin picked up their first home win, bumping their record up to 4-6-1. As for Independence, their victory bumped their record up to 9-7.
Friday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Independence has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .555. However, it's not like Marion-Franklin struggles in that department as they've averaged .527. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Independence came out on top in a nail-biter against Marion-Franklin in their previous meeting back in April, sneaking past 12-10. Do the 76ers have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Red Devils turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
