The McDowell Titans will take on the Alexander Central Cougars at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday. McDowell has given up an average of 8 runs per game this season, but Tuesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Friday just wasn't the day for McDowell's offense. They came up short against South Caldwell on Friday, falling 12-0. Having soared to a lofty 13 runs in the game before, the Titans' shutout was a dramatic turnaround.
Meanwhile, Alexander Central had already won two in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 7 runs) and they went ahead and made it three on Friday. They walked away with a 10-7 victory over the Indians. Alexander Central's win was all the more impressive since the Indians were averaging only 3.38 runs allowed on the season.
Jude Carter was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he struck out nine batters over five innings while giving up just two earned (and two unearned) runs off three hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two runs, two doubles, and one stolen base. That stolen base marked the first that he has snagged this season.
In other batting news, Alexander Central let Gunnar Johnson and Sawyer Chapman-Mays run wild. Johnson went 2-for-3 with two runs and one stolen base, while Chapman-Mays went 1-for-3 with two runs and one double. That double was Chapman-Mays' first of the season. The team also got some help courtesy of Graham Hoke, who went 3-for-4 with one RBI.
McDowell's loss dropped their record down to 3-3. As for Alexander Central, their victory bumped their record up to 7-1.
Tuesday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. McDowell has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .436. However, it's not like Alexander Central struggles in that department as they've averaged .457. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
McDowell beat Alexander Central 6-3 in their previous meeting back in May of 2021. Do the Titans have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Cougars turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
