Baseball Game Preview: Vernon Jackets vs. Freeport Bulldogs

Vernon hasn't had much luck against Freeport recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Jackets will look to defend their home field against the Bulldogs at 5:00 p.m. Vernon is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 9 runs per game this season.

Vernon took a six-run defeat the last time they faced off against Paxton, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Jackets had just enough and edged out the Bobcats 5-3. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Jackets have posted since March 16th.

Caiden Coltrane

Runs

04/06/26 vs Paxton	2
04/02/26 @ Malone	2
03/20/26 @ Bethlehem	2
03/06/26 vs Graceville	2
03/31/26 vs Ashford	1
+ 7 more games

Caiden Coltrane was incredible, going 2-for-3 with two runs, one triple, and one double. He has become a key player for Vernon: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 8-10 otherwise.

Meanwhile, Freeport fought the good fight in their extra-innings game against Florala on Thursday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell just short of the Wildcats by a score of 3-2.

Tyler Howard was cooking despite his team's loss, going 2-for-3 with three stolen bases, one triple, and one run.

The victory made it two in a row for Vernon and bumps their season record up to 12-10. Those wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered a grand total of 5 runs in those games. As for Freeport, their loss dropped their record down to 15-8.

The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Friday as neither team is afraid to steal. Vernon has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 5.2 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Freeport struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 4 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.

Vernon couldn't quite get it done against Freeport in their previous meeting back in February as they fell 8-5. Will the Jackets have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more baseball content.