The Triton Trojans will challenge the Elkhart Christian Academy Eagles at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. Triton is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.2 runs per game this season.
Triton is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Saturday. They had just enough and edged out South Central 2-1. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Trojans.
Braxton Kaufman spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered only one earned run on seven hits and racked up ten Ks.
At the plate, Triton's win was truly a team effort as three different players contributed at least one hit. One of them was Drew Bingamon, who went 1-for-2 with one stolen base and one run.
Meanwhile, Elkhart Christian Academy beat Culver Community 10-6 on Saturday.
James Ramirez and Grayson Graham made a big impact while hitting and pitching. Throwing, Ramirez struck out six batters over 3.2 innings while giving up just one earned run off one hit. Meanwhile, Graham tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. He also tossed no earned runs, which is notable because Elkhart Christian Academy is 3-1 when he allows at most one earned run, but 5-16 otherwise. At the plate, Ramirez got on base in four of his five plate appearances with three runs and two doubles, while Graham got on base in four of his five plate appearances with one RBI.
In other batting news, Isaac Hurt was excellent, going 2-for-5 with three RBI and two runs. Elkhart Christian Academy is undefeated when Hurt posts three or more RBI, but 5-17 otherwise. Cole Hummer was another key player, getting on base in four of his five plate appearances with two stolen bases.
Elkhart Christian Academy has been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four games. That's provided a nice bump to their 8-17 record this season. As for Triton, their victory bumped their record up to 19-9.
Monday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Triton has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .445. However, it's not like Elkhart Christian Academy struggles in that department as they've averaged .483. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Triton took their win against Elkhart Christian Academy when the teams last played back in April by a conclusive 11-5 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Trojans since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
