Valmeyer is 1-9 against Gibault Catholic since April of 2022 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Saturday. The Pirates will host the Hawks at 10:00 a.m. Valmeyer is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.1 runs per game this season.
Valmeyer barely beat Steeleville the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. The Pirates blew past the Warriors 10-4 on Thursday. The win was a breath of fresh air for the Pirates as it put an end to their four-game losing streak.
Luke Blackwell
| 05/07/26 vs Steeleville | 3 |
| 05/02/26 vs Farina South Central | 1 |
| 05/01/26 vs Mater Dei | 1 |
| 04/23/26 vs Marissa/Coulterville | 1 |
| 04/21/26 @ Marissa/Coulterville | 1 |
| + 7 more games |
Luke Blackwell made a splash while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run while striking out eight over six innings pitched. He also tossed a walk, which is notable because Valmeyer is undefeated when he allows at most one walk, but 7-12 otherwise. Blackwell was also big at the plate, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with three stolen bases and three runs. That's the most runs he has posted since back in March.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Chase Snyder, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and one double. He has become a key player for Valmeyer: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 6-12 otherwise. The team also got some help courtesy of Parker Brandt, who went 1-for-3 with two runs and two RBI.
Nashville typically has all the answers at home, but on Thursday Gibault Catholic proved too difficult a challenge. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 2-1 victory over the Hornets. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Hawks have posted since April 16th.
Dante Gianino spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered a run (which was unearned) on four hits and racked up 13 Ks.
At the plate, Kole Schilling was excellent, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with two stolen bases and one RBI.
Valmeyer's victory bumped their record up to 10-12. As for Gibault Catholic, the win got them back to even at 13-13.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Saturday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Valmeyer has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Gibault Catholic struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Valmeyer came up short against Gibault Catholic when the teams last played back in May of 2025, falling 5-1. Will the Pirates have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
