The Cameron County Raiders will head out on the road to challenge the Smethport Hubbers at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Cameron County will be strutting in after a win while Smethport will be coming in after a loss.
Cameron County was handed a eight-run defeat in their previous outing, but that didn't affect their clutch gene on Wednesday. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 6-5 victory over Oswayo Valley. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Raiders have posted since May 17, 2024.
Ryan Shaffer
| 04/23/25 vs Oswayo Valley | 5 |
| 04/22/25 vs Coudersport | 3 |
| 04/07/25 vs Johnsonburg | 3 |
| 03/28/25 vs Elk County Catholic | 3 |
| 04/22/24 vs Brockway | 3 |
Ryan Shaffer was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out eight batters over 3.2 innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits (and only one walk). He is becoming a predictor of Cameron County's success: when he allows at most two hits the team is 2-1 (and 0-5 when he doesn't). Shaffer was also big at the plate, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with five stolen bases, two runs, and one double. Those five stolen bases gave him a new career-high.
Shaffer wasn't the only one making solid contact as six players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Jake Narby, who went 2-for-3 with four stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI. Narby has become a key player for Cameron County: the team is 2-1 when he posts at least two stolen bases, but 0-5 otherwise. Braxtyn Neyman also deserves some recognition as he brought in his first RBI of the season.
Meanwhile, Smethport was not able to break out of their rough patch on Thursday as the team picked up their fourth straight loss. They lost 20-10 to Otto-Eldred. On the bright side, the ten- run effort marked the Hubbers' highest-scoring contest to date.
Cole Burdick made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and went 3-for-4 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one double. Owen Rounsville was another key player, going 2-for-4 with two RBI and one run.
The victory snapped Cameron County's losing streak at three games and leaves them with a 2-6 record. As for Smethport, their defeat dropped their record down to 1-5.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Cameron County has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.8 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Smethport struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 7.7 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Cameron County came up short against Smethport when the teams last played back in May of 2024, falling 8-4. Can the Raiders avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
