The Aitkin Gobblers will head out to challenge the Hinckley-Finlayson Jaguars at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Aitkin knows how to get runs on the board -- the squad has finished with ten runs or more in their past three games -- so hopefully Hinckley-Finlayson likes a good challenge.
On Monday, Aitkin made easy work of Mesabi East and carried off a 14-7 victory. The Gobblers might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won 11 contests by six runs or more this season.
Aitkin got a massive performance out of Cole Trotter, who went 2-for-4 with two runs, one triple, and two RBI. John Pelarski was another key player, getting on base in four of his five plate appearances with two runs and two RBI.
Meanwhile, Hinckley-Finlayson came into Monday's matchup having lost 13 straight, but that streak is now in the rearview. They came out on top against Braham by a score of 9-4 on Monday. Give some credit to the fans of both teams: the last seven times they've met, the home team has come away the winner.
Ethan Martin made a big impact no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out nine batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned (and three unearned) runs off nine hits (and only one walk). He has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with three stolen bases, one run, and one RBI. Those three stolen bases gave him a new career-high.
In other batting news, Ty Westrum was incredible, going 2-for-4 with two runs, two doubles, and one stolen base. That's the most runs he has posted since back in April. Tanner Risley also deserves some recognition as he brought in his first RBI of the season.
Hinckley-Finlayson kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. That's the most hits they've managed all season.
Aitkin has been performing well recently as they've won eight of their last ten games. That's provided a nice bump to their 12-5 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.7 runs on average over those games. As for Hinckley-Finlayson, their victory was their first in the conference, bumping their conference record up to 1-6 and their overall record up to 2-13.
Hinckley-Finlayson's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Aitkin has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .468. It's a different story for Hinckley-Finlayson, though, as they've only averaged .361. Will they be able to contain Aitkin's hitters? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.
