For the second straight game, Heritage will face off against Alcoa. The Mountaineers will head out to challenge the Tornadoes at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Heritage is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.2 runs per game this season.
Heritage lost a heartbreaker the last time they played Alcoa, but it's fair to say they got their revenge given the result of Monday's matchup. The Mountaineers were the clear victors by a 15-5 margin over the Tornadoes on Monday. The result was nothing new for the Mountaineers, who have now won 15 games by six runs or more so far this season.
Gaven French made a big impact no matter where he played. On the mound, he struck out seven batters over five innings while giving up just two earned (and three unearned) runs off two hits. French was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with one home run, two RBI, and one double.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Hudson Brown, who went 3-for-4 with one home run, five RBI, and two doubles. Those two doubles gave him a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Hayden Sanders, who went 2-for-3 with three RBI and two runs.
Heritage always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .686. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Heritage is on a roll lately: they've won 13 of their last 15 contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 21-7 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 8.5 runs over those games. As for Alcoa, their loss was their first in the district, dropping their district record down to 4-1 and their overall record down to 9-7.
Tuesday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Heritage has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .437. However, it's not like Alcoa struggles in that department as they've averaged .451. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
