The Andalusia Bulldogs are taking a road trip to challenge the Excel Panthers at 5:00 p.m. on Monday. Andalusia is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.8 runs per game this season.
Andalusia took a eight-run defeat the last time they faced off against Ariton, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Bulldogs had just enough and edged out the Purple Cats 3-2. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Bulldogs have posted since March 3rd.
Riley Cravey
| 03/11/25 @ Straughn | 4 |
| 02/15/25 @ Stanhope Elmore | 3 |
| 03/25/25 vs Florala | 2 |
| 02/18/25 vs Straughn | 2 |
| 03/03/25 vs Geneva | 1 |
| + 1 more games |
Riley Cravey spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered two runs (both of which were unearned) on five hits. He also tossed no earned runs, which is notable because Andalusia is 4-0-1 when he allows at most one earned run, but 6-8 otherwise.
On the hitting side, Andalusia's win was truly a team effort as three different players contributed at least one hit. One of them was Grover Wells, who scored a run while going 1-for-3.
Meanwhile, Excel fought the good fight in their extra-innings game against Cottage Hill Christian Academy on Friday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell just short of the Warriors by a score of 4-3. The Panthers' loss continues a trend for the squad, making it four in a row.
Trent Williams put in work while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over five innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off four hits. Williams was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with one stolen base, one double, and one RBI. He is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as he's now snagged at least one in each of the last seven games he's played.
Andalusia's victory was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 10-8-1. The home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 8.0 runs over those games. As for Excel, their defeat dropped their record down to 10-15.
Monday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Andalusia hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .326. However, it's not like Excel struggles in that department as they've averaged .318. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Andalusia took their victory against Excel in their previous matchup back in March by a conclusive 11-0 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Bulldogs since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
