For the second straight game, Pendleton Heights will face off against New Palestine. The Arabians will be playing at home against the Dragons at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (Pendleton Heights 4, New Palestine 1.8) so any runs scored will be well earned.
Pendleton Heights' usually-dominant pitching crew will be looking to make up for Wednesday's struggle, when New Palestine hitters got past them. The Arabians lost 10-2 to the Dragons on Wednesday. Having soared to a lofty 15 runs in the game before, the Arabians couldn't push the score so high this time.
For New Palestine's part, Rigg Mahurin was a major factor no matter where he played. On the mound, he struck out ten batters over six innings while giving up just two earned runs off five hits (and not a single walk). Mahurin has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in seven consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, getting on base in two of his four plate appearances with two runs and two RBI.
In other batting news, New Palestine let Jacob Morris and Jesse Isaacs run wild. Morris went 1-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI, while Isaacs went a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs. Those three hits gave Isaacs a new career-high.
New Palestine's win was their 11th straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 16-3. The home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 7.4 runs over those games. As for Pendleton Heights, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost five of their last six matches. That's put a noticeable dent in their 12-6 record this season.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Pendleton Heights has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.2 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like New Palestine struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 7.3 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
