The Valley Central Vikings will face off against the Minisink Valley Warriors at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. Valley Central has given up an average of 6.6 runs per game this season, but Saturday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Valley Central is headed into Saturday's matchup looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their third straight game on Wednesday. They were a single run away from ending the streak, but they lost an 11-10 heartbreaker at the hands of Warwick. Give some credit to the fans of both teams: the last five times they've met, the home team has come away the winner.
Kellen Pliler and Justin Freeman did some serious damage despite the final result: Pliler got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base, while Freeman went 2-for-5 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. That stolen base was Pliler's first of the season. Jake Cancredi was another key player, going 2-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Minisink Valley, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Monday. They walked away with a 6-2 win over Cornwall Central on Wednesday.
Christopher McCauley was a major factor no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out nine batters over six innings while giving up just two earned runs off six hits. McCauley was also big at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two stolen bases, two runs, and two doubles. Minisink Valley is 2-1 when McCauley posts two or more runs, but 2-5 otherwise.
McCauley wasn't the only one making solid contact as four players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Nik Marrero, who went 1-for-3 with one run and one double.
Minisink Valley's victory bumped their record up to 4-6. As for Valley Central, their loss dropped their record down to an identical 4-6.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Saturday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Valley Central has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.9 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Minisink Valley struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8.5 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other baseball content.
