The Rocket City Rockets will take on the CSTHEA Patriots at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday. Rocket City's pitching crew has only allowed 3.8 runs per game this season, so CSTHEA's hitters will have their work cut out for them.
Rocket City is coming in off a wild two-game stretch: after soaring to 11 runs last Tuesday, they were much more limited against Marshall County on Friday. They took a 6-2 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Tigers. The matchup marked the Rockets' lowest-scoring contest so far this season.
Timmy Hays
| 03/14/25 @ Marshall County | 6 |
| 03/08/25 @ Tennessee Heat | 6 |
| 02/22/25 @ Non Varsity Opponent | 11 |
Timmy Hays was a force to be reckoned with on the mound despite the final result: he struck out six batters over six innings while giving up four earned (and two unearned) runs off six hits (and only one walk). He has been consistent recently: he hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in three consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Walter Pruitt made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and scored a run while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask CSTHEA). They put the hurt on Whitwell with a sharp 19-7 victory on Thursday. The win was familiar territory for the Patriots, who have now won three games in a row.
Deklan Burgess made a big impact no matter where he played. On the mound, he struck out six batters over five innings while giving up three earned (and one unearned) runs off four hits. Burgess was also big at the plate, scoring three runs and stealing Two bases. while going 2-for-4. Those three runs gave him a new career-high.
In other batting news, CSTHEA got a massive performance out of Pierse Jackson, who scored a run and stole Three bases. while going 4-for-6. What's more, Jackson posted three RBI, the most he's had since back in April of 2024. Caiden Rebel was another key player, getting on base in four of his five plate appearances with three runs and four RBI.
CSTHEA always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .604. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Rocket City's defeat dropped their record down to 10-2. As for CSTHEA, they picked up their first road victory, bumping their record up to 3-4.
Saturday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Rocket City has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .502. However, it's not like CSTHEA struggles in that department as they've averaged .450. 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.
