Riverdale is preparing for their first region matchup of the season on Monday. They will face off against the Douglass Astros at 6:00 p.m. Both come into the matchup bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Riverdale took an 11-run loss the last time they faced off against Jonesboro, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Raiders came out on top in a nail-biter against the Cardinals on Monday, sneaking past 6-4. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Raiders have posted since March 19, 2025.
Joel Rachmann made a splash no matter where he played. He struck out eight batters over seven innings while giving up four earned runs off nine hits (and only one walk). Rachmann was also big at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3 with six stolen bases and three runs. That's the most runs he has posted since back in April of 2025.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Tristan Ford, who got on base in all four of his plate appearances with three stolen bases, one run, and one RBI. That's the most stolen bases he has posted since back in March of 2025. Jayden Bulloch also deserves some recognition as he scored his first run of the season.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Douglass). They put the hurt on Drew Charter with a sharp 17-11 victory on Monday. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Astros.
Like Riverdale, Douglass also got a great game from a two-way player: Tymeco Cameron. On the mound, he pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs off three hits. Cameron was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-5 with three stolen bases, two RBI, and one double.
In other batting news, Jamarius Glover was incredible, going a perfect 5-for-5 with five stolen bases, three runs, and three RBI. He has been hot recently, having posted two or more stolen bases the last three times he's played. Aareon Alexander was another key player, getting on base in three of his five plate appearances with four stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI.
Douglass was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .484. That's the best batting average they've posted all season.
Douglass' record is now 4-2. As for Riverdale, their win (their first of the season) made their record 1-5.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Monday as neither team is afraid to steal. Riverdale has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.7 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Douglass struggles in that department as they've been averaging 19.2 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Riverdale beat Douglass 5-0 when the teams last played back in April of 2025. Will the Raiders repeat their success, or do the Astros have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
