The Sullivan East Patriots are taking a road trip to take on the Cherokee Chiefs at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. The two teams each escaped (but just barely!) with wins against their previous opponents.
Sullivan East took a ten-run loss the last time they faced off against West Ridge, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. Sullivan East skirted past West Ridge 8-6. The win was some much needed relief for the Patriots as it spelled an end to their five-game losing streak.
Kaden Hicks
| 03/25/25 vs West Ridge | 4 |
| 03/18/25 @ Elizabethton | 1 |
| 03/17/25 vs Elizabethton | 1 |
| 03/04/25 vs Cherokee | 1 |
Kaden Hicks made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over 6.1 innings while giving up just two earned runs off five hits (and only one walk). What's more, he gave up only one walk, the fewest he's had over his last five matches. He was also big at the plate, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 4-for-4. Those four hits gave him a new career-high.
In other batting news, Peyton Lingerfelt was excellent, going 1-for-3 with three RBI and one double. Those three RBI gave him a new career-high. Eli Hubbard also deserves some recognition as he scored his first run of the season.
Meanwhile, it may have taken eight innings to finish the job, but Cherokee ultimately got the result they hoped for on Tuesday. They came out on top in a nail-biter against Grainger, sneaking past 12-11. The Chiefs haven't had any issues with the Grizzlies recently, as the game was their fifth consecutive victory against them.
Like Sullivan East, Cherokee also got a great game from a two-way player: Manning Brooks. He struck out six batters over 4.2 innings while giving up just two earned (and five unearned) runs off eight hits (and only one walk). Brooks has been consistent recently: he hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in three consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs while getting on base in four of his five plate appearances. He has become a key player for Cherokee: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 5-7 otherwise.
In other batting news, Jayden Weston and Charles Wagoner did most of the damage at the plate: Weston scored two runs while getting on base in four of his five plate appearances, while Wagoner scored a run and stole a base while getting on base in three of his six plate appearances. Weston is becoming a predictor of Cherokee's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 5-7 when he doesn't).
Sullivan East's record now sits at 4-8. As for Cherokee, they now have a winning record of 8-7.
Thursday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Sullivan East has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .438. However, it's not like Cherokee struggles in that department as they've averaged .449. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Sullivan East took their win against Cherokee in their previous matchup on March 4th by a conclusive 9-2. The rematch might be a little tougher for Sullivan East since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
