The Deer Creek-Mackinaw Chiefs will challenge the Peoria Christian Chargers at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Peoria Christian took a loss in their last match and will be looking to turn the tables on Deer Creek-Mackinaw, who comes in off a win.
Deer Creek-Mackinaw came out on top against Williamsville on Tuesday thanks in part to the team's impressive four-run fifth inning. The Chiefs took their game against the Bullets 7-2. That's two games straight that the Chiefs have won by exactly five runs.
Chase Noe spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered only one earned (and one unearned) run on three hits and racked up eight Ks. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Shane Correll, who went 3-for-4 with three RBI, one run, and one double. That's the most RBI he has posted since back in April. Another player making a difference was Chuck Hathaway, who went 3-for-4 with two runs and one stolen base.
Meanwhile, Peoria Christian was not able to break out of their rough patch on Monday as the team picked up their fourth straight loss. They took a 7-3 hit to the loss column at the hands of Heyworth.
Amarian Sidles made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and went 1-for-4 with one home run and two RBI. That home run was his first of the season. Austin Pavelka was another key player, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with one stolen base and one run.
Peoria Christian's defeat dropped their record down to 8-13. As for Deer Creek-Mackinaw, their victory ended a three-game drought on the road and puts them at 13-15.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Deer Creek-Mackinaw has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.8 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Peoria Christian struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 7.7 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Deer Creek-Mackinaw suffered a grim 12-2 defeat to Peoria Christian in their previous matchup back in April of 2023. Can the Chiefs avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
