For the second straight game, Chicago Academy will face off against Mather. The Cougars will head out to take on the Rangers at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Chicago Academy has given up an average of 13.7 runs per game this season, but Wednesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Chicago Academy is headed into Wednesday's match looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fourth straight game on Monday. They came up short against Mather, falling 14-3. Surprisingly, this marked the Cougars' fifth straight game in which the away team has come away the victor.
For Mather's part, David Goytia and Lucas Lambert made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, Goytia struck out nine batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits (and not a single walk). Meanwhile, Lambert struck out eight batters over four innings while giving up just two earned runs off two hits. Goytia has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than two hits in six consecutive appearances. At bat, Goytia went 2-for-4 with one home run, two stolen bases, and three runs, while Lambert got on base in three of his five plate appearances with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run. Goytia has become a key player for Mather: the team is undefeated when he posts at least one home run, but 4-9 otherwise.
In other batting news, Jadier Castillo was a standout: he went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, three runs, and two doubles. Those three runs gave him a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Roy Beard, who got on base in three of his five plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and one double.
With the victory, Mather broke their four-game losing streak and moved their record to 7-9. As for Chicago Academy, their loss dropped their record down to 1-13.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Wednesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Chicago Academy has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Mather struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 9 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more baseball content.
