Mifflin is 1-9 against Centennial since April of 2018 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Wednesday. The Punchers are taking a road trip to take on the Stars at 5:30 p.m. Keep an eye on the score for this one: the two teams posted some lofty run totals in their previous games.
Mifflin was handed a heart-breaking two-run defeat in their last game, but they sure didn't let that happen against East on Monday. The Punchers were the clear victors by a 19-4 margin over the Tigers. The Punchers haven't had any issues with the Tigers recently, as the game was their fifth consecutive win against them.
Benny Villegas was a major factor no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, tossing three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. Villegas was also big at the plate, scoring two runs while going 2-for-4.
In other batting news, Mifflin let Wilfred Torres and K Hickman run wild. Torres went 3-for-5 with two stolen bases, four RBI, and two runs, while Hickman scored three runs and stole three bases while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances. The team also got some help courtesy of Francis Awuah, who scored two runs while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances.
Mifflin was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .423. That's the best batting average they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Centennial was not the first on the board on Tuesday, but they got there more often. They blew past Northland 13-3. Considering the Stars have won three matches by more than nine runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
Isaac Puntum made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he struck out nine batters over 3.2 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and only one walk). Puntum was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring three runs and stealing seven bases while going 4-for-5. Puntum is crushing it when it comes to stolen bases: he's snagged at least one every time he's taken the field this season.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Max Burt, who scored three runs and stole six bases while going 4-for-4. With that strong performance, he is now averaging an impressive 1.8 stolen bases per game. Jayden Hammond was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-4.
Mifflin's record is now 3-1. As for Centennial, they now have a winning record of 3-2.
Wednesday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Mifflin has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .604. However, it's not like Centennial struggles in that department as they've averaged .593. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Mifflin suffered a grim 14-0 defeat to Centennial in their previous matchup back in May of 2024. Can the Punchers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
