Merino will face off against Akron at 12:30 p.m. on Friday. Merino is coming into the game hot, having won their last five games.
Merino is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Wednesday. Everything went their way against Prairie as they made off with a 13-3 victory. The result was nothing new for the Rams, who have now won 12 contests by six runs or more so far this season.
Zavier Trenkle
| 04/30/25 vs Prairie | 1 |
| 04/19/25 vs Caliche | 2 |
| 04/15/25 @ Highland | 0 |
| 04/14/25 vs Simla | 1 |
| 04/08/25 @ Holyoke | 2 |
| 04/01/25 @ Haxtun | 2 |
Zavier Trenkle made a big impact no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching 2.1 innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. He was even better at the plate, going 2-for-3 with three stolen bases, three runs, and two RBI. That's the most runs he has posted since back in March.
In other batting news, Isaac Poe was incredible, going 3-for-4 with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base. Mickey Swiger also deserves some recognition as he hit his first double of the season.
Merino was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .571. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .320 or higher in five consecutive matches.
Meanwhile, Akron was able to grind out a solid win over Peetz on Wednesday, taking the game 6-2.
Like Merino, Akron also got a great game from a two-way player: Caleb Poss. He tossed 1.2 innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Poss was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, one run, and one RBI.
In other pitching news, Mason Porteus looked comfortable as he pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit.
Back at the plate, the team relied heavily on Anderson Filla, who went 1-for-3 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI.
Merino's record is now 15-5. As for Akron, their record now sits at 15-4.
Both the two teams just can't seem to miss. Merino has been making plenty of contact this season, having averaged 10.4 hits per game. However, it's not like Akron struggles in that department as they've been averaging only 3.9 hits. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Merino couldn't quite get it done against Akron when the teams last played back in April as they fell 11-6. Can Merino avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
