Baseball Recap: Make It Three in a Row for Mott

Marauders

Margin (Wins)

04/28/25 vs Fitzgerald	17
05/09/25 @ Clintondale	16
04/16/25 vs Sterling Heights	15
05/02/25 @ Sterling Heights	14
05/14/25 @ Fitzgerald	11

Mott had to skate by with only a two-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the 11-run drubbing they dealt Fitzgerald on Wednesday. The Marauders were the clear victors by a 12-1 margin over the Spartans. Considering the Marauders have won seven games by more than six runs this season, Wednesday's blowout was nothing new.

Kevin Barden made a big impact no matter where he played. On the mound, he struck out 14 batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two hits in three consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with five stolen bases, three runs, and two doubles. He has become a key player for Mott: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 5-7 otherwise.

In other batting news, Mott got a big performance out of Brandon Fletcher, who went 2-for-5 with two stolen bases, one run, and one double. That double was Fletcher's first of the season. The team also got some help courtesy of Dustin Mayfield, who went 1-for-3 with two stolen bases, two RBI, and one run.

The victory (which was Mott's third in a row) raised their record to 8-7. Those wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.3 runs on average over those games. As for Fitzgerald, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost five of their last six matchups. That's put a noticeable dent in their 8-11 record this season.

Mott will square off against Hazel Park at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The Marauders' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Vikings have averaged an impressive 7.4 runs per game this season. As for Fitzgerald, they will face off against Clintondale at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. The Dragons have struggled to contain batters this season (they've allowed 14.82 runs per game on average), something the Spartans will no doubt try to take advantage of.