The Innovation Bulls will face off against the Freedom Patriots at 6:30 p.m. on Monday. The two teams each escaped (but just barely!) with wins against their previous opponents.
Innovation is headed into the contest with an undefeated record on the line, something Timber Creek almost spoiled on Friday. The Bulls came within a single run of losing the streak, but they secured a 3-2 W against the Wolves. While the Bulls didn't have the best season last year (they finished 8-10), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past.
Jometh Morales spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered only one earned (and one unearned) run on six hits and racked up seven Ks. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than one earned run any time he's pitched this season.
At the plate, Innovation's win was truly a team effort as three different players contributed at least one hit. One of them was Sebastin Perez, who went 1-for-3 with two stolen bases, one run, and one RBI.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Freedom, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Wednesday. They had just enough and edged out Cypress Creek 8-6.
Nolan Kliegl was a major factor no matter where he played. On the mound, he tossed five innings while giving up just one earned (and three unearned) runs off seven hits. Kliegl was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-4 with three RBI and one stolen base.
In other batting news, Anthony Unruh was incredible, going 2-for-3 with three stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI. Those stolen bases were his first of the season. Albert Abad was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, one run, and one RBI.
Innovation's victory bumped their record up to 5-0. As for Freedom, their win bumped their record up to 6-3.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Monday as neither team is afraid to steal. Innovation has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 6 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Freedom struggles in that department as they've been averaging 3.2 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Innovation came out on top in a nail-biter against Freedom when the teams last played two weeks ago, sneaking past 6-5. Do the Bulls have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Patriots turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
