The Somerset Golden Eagles will venture away from home to challenge the Central Dragons at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Central will be up against a hot Somerset team: the squad just extended their winning streak to four. Everything went the Golden Eagles' way against Penn Cambria on Thursday as they made off with a 10-4 victory.
The team relied heavily on Braeden Flower, who went 2-for-3 with three stolen bases, three RBI, and two runs. That's the most RBI he has posted since back in April of 2025. Elliott Anderson was another key player, getting on base in two of his four plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Central got themselves on the board against Bishop Carroll on Thursday, but Bishop Carroll never followed suit. They blew past the Huskies 16-0. The Dragons have beaten the Huskies the last three times they've met, but they better watch out: this was the closest the Huskies has come to flipping the script.
The result came thanks to Brody Mellott's shutout, as he gave up just two hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Cody Clapper was a standout: he went 2-for-3 with three RBI, two runs, and one stolen base. Josh Beltz also deserves some recognition as he brought in his first RBI of the season.
Central was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .529. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .303 or higher in three consecutive matchups.
Somerset's record is now 9-3. As for Central, their record now sits at 5-7.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Somerset has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 9.5 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Central struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 8 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Somerset couldn't quite finish off Central in their previous meeting back in April of 2023 and fell 4-2. Can the Golden Eagles avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.