The University Prep Panthers will head out on the road to square off against the Clintondale Dragons at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. University Prep has given up an average of 7.1 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
University Prep managed to slip by River Rouge the last time these teams faced off, but didn't have those same answers this time around. University Prep came up short against River Rouge last Tuesday, falling 16-3. University Prep's defeat signaled the end of their four-game winning streak.
Terry Burks made the most of his time in the batter's box despite the final result and got on base in all three of his plate appearances with four stolen bases and one run. The team also got some help courtesy of Donovan McCulley, who got on base in both of his plate appearances with two stolen bases, one run, and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Clintondale had already won two in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 16 runs) and they went ahead and made it three on Friday. Everything went their way against the Shamrocks as they made off with an 18-3 win. The result was nothing new for the Dragons, who have now won 13 contests by ten runs or more so far this season.
Andrew Koltvedt made a splash no matter where he played. He struck out seven batters over four innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off two hits. Those seven strikeouts gave him a new career-high. He was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and one triple. He has been hot recently, having posted at least one stolen base the last three times he's played.
In other batting news, Brett Polakowski and Blake Grimes did most of the damage at the plate: Polakowski went 1-for-3 with one home run, two stolen bases, and three runs, while Grimes went 2-for-3 with one home run, three runs, and one stolen base. Polakowski has become a key player for Clintondale: the team is 11-2 when he posts at least two runs, but 2-3 otherwise. Xavior Raker also deserves some recognition as he hit his first double of the season.
Clintondale always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .633. That was just more of the same: they've now posted an OBP of .633 or higher in three consecutive games.
University Prep's loss dropped their record down to 6-3. As for Clintondale, their record now sits at 13-5.
Monday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. University Prep has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .489. However, it's not like Clintondale struggles in that department as they've averaged .616. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.
