The American Leadership Academy-Johnston Patriots will take on the Oxford Prep Griffins at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. The last three games American Leadership Academy-Johnston has played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.
American Leadership Academy-Johnston let Vance Charter stack four runs on them in the fifth inning on Friday but luckily American Leadership Academy-Johnston prevailed anyway. The Patriots narrowly escaped with a victory as the squad sidled past the Knights 7-6.
Calvin Hooks and Cash Tolley did most of the damage at the plate: Hooks went 1-for-3 with one home run and two RBI, while Tolley went 2-for-3 with two RBI and one run. Those two RBI gave Hooks a new career-high. Riley Ciechoski also deserves some recognition as he hit his first double of the season.
Meanwhile, Oxford Prep entered their tilt with Kerr-Vance Academy on Friday with nine consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with ten. They put the hurt on the Spartans with a sharp 10-4 win. Considering the Griffins have won ten matchups by more than five runs this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.
Bryson Preddy was a major factor no matter where he played. He struck out seven batters over four innings while giving up three earned (and one unearned) runs off five hits. He has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than two walks in eight consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in two of his five plate appearances with two RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Davis Faulkner, who got on base in four of his five plate appearances with three runs, one triple, and one stolen base. Another player making a difference was Hunter Woodlief, who went 2-for-4 with three runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
American Leadership Academy-Johnston's record is now 12-5. As for Oxford Prep, their record now sits at 13-2.
Saturday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. American Leadership Academy-Johnston has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .434. However, it's not like Oxford Prep struggles in that department as they've averaged .485. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.
