The Stafford Bulldogs will venture away from home to square off against the Windsor Locks Raiders at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. Stafford is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.2 runs per game this season.
Stafford gave up the first runs on Wednesday, but they didn't let that get them down. They walked away with a 9-6 victory over East Windsor. The Bulldogs haven't had any issues with the Panthers recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive win against them.
The team relied heavily on Landon Tozier, who went 2-for-4 with three RBI, two runs, and one triple. Those RBI were his first of the season. Tyler Murray was another key player, going 1-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.
Meanwhile, Windsor Locks entered their tilt with Bolton on Wednesday with three consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with four. They were the clear victors by a 15-7 margin over the Bulldogs. Considering the Raiders have won four matches by more than five runs this season, Wednesday's blowout was nothing new.
Dylan Hall was a major factor no matter where he played. On the mound, he didn't allow a single earned run while striking out seven over six innings pitched. Hall was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in two of his four plate appearances with two stolen bases and one run. Those two stolen bases gave him a new career-high.
In other batting news, Joey Tripp was incredible, going 3-for-4 with three doubles, four RBI, and one stolen base. Another player making a difference was Jack Scholefield, who went 2-for-4 with four RBI, two runs, and one double.
Windsor Locks' record is now 7-3. As for Stafford, the victory got them back to even at 4-4.
Thursday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Stafford has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .431. However, it's not like Windsor Locks struggles in that department as they've averaged .435. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Stafford couldn't quite finish off Windsor Locks when the teams last played last Tuesday and fell 8-6. Can the Bulldogs avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
