Monmouth-Roseville is 2-8 against Orion since May of 2017 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Thursday. The Titans will be playing in front of their home fans against the Chargers at 4:30 p.m. Monmouth-Roseville has given up an average of 8.8 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Monmouth-Roseville managed to slip by Alleman the last time these teams faced off, but didn't have those same answers this time around. The Titans came up short against the Pioneers on Tuesday, falling 18-8.
Keegan Smith made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and scored a run while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances. He also put up a double, which was his first of the season. Another player making a difference was Andrew Way, who scored a run and stole two bases while going 1-for-4.
Meanwhile, Orion can bid farewell to their three-game losing streak thanks to their game on Tuesday. They were the clear victors by a 12-4 margin over Biggsville West Central. Considering the Chargers have won four matchups by more than seven runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
Mason Laleman 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 three hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in three consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs while going 3-for-5. Orion is undefeated when Laleman posts two or more runs, but 4-6 otherwise.
In other batting news, Orion got a massive performance out of Dayne Franks, who went 4-for-5 with three doubles, one run, and one RBI. Those three doubles gave Franks a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Maddux Anderson, who scored three runs and stole three bases while getting on base in three of his five plate appearances.
Orion kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Biggsville West Central only managed four hits.
Orion's win was their third straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 7-6. Those road victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.0 runs on average over those games. As for Monmouth-Roseville, their loss dropped their record down to 5-7.
Monmouth-Roseville took their win against Orion when the teams last played on Monday by a conclusive 17-5 score. Do the Titans have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Chargers turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
