Millard South has relied on a stalwart pitchers averaging 3.36 runs allowed per game, but that average took a hit on Friday. They fell just short of the Gretna Dragons by a score of 12-11. The Patriots were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Dragons apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in April of 2024.
Blake McAndrews put in work while hitting and pitching. He tossed four innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off two hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two hits in three consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, getting on base in three of his six plate appearances with one stolen base and two RBI.
In other pitching news, Noah Carroll was a force to be reckoned with on the mound despite the final result: he didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out eight over six innings pitched. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances.
Back at the plate, Brady Perich led a balanced group of hitters, going 3-for-5 with three runs, two doubles, and one stolen base. Jaxson Appuhn also deserves some recognition as he hit his first triple of the season.
Millard South has been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 16-6 record this season. Even worse, they were so close so many times: the defeats came by an average of only 1.33 runs. As for Gretna, they have been performing well recently as they've won seven of their last nine matches. That's provided a nice bump to their 8-9 record this season.
We've got plenty of inter-district action coming up soon. Millard South is set to face off against their familiar foe Papillion-LaVista South at 5:00 p.m. on Monday. Meanwhile, Gretna will take on rival Gretna East at 4:30 p.m. on Monday.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
