Pocono Mountain West hasn't had much luck against Pleasant Valley recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Panthers will look to defend their home field against the Bears at 4:00 p.m. Pocono Mountain West is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.2 runs per game this season.
On Monday, Pocono Mountain West didn't have quite enough to beat Allentown Central Catholic and fell 9-8. The Panthers have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Pocono Mountain West saw seven different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Liliana Rodriguez, who went 2-for-3 with one run, one double, and one RBI. Sam Rider was another, going 1-for-3 with two RBI and one double.
Meanwhile, Pleasant Valley got the win against Pocono Mountain East on Friday by a conclusive 11-4. The result was nothing new for the Bears, who have now won nine games by seven runs or more so far this season.
Kailyn Getz spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned (and one unearned) runs on ten hits. She also set a new season-high mark in hits with four.
At the plate, Pleasant Valley got a massive performance out of Jovie Valenzuela, who went 3-for-4 with one home run, two runs, and two doubles. That's the most doubles Valenzuela has posted since back in March. Another player making a difference was Allison Borger, who went 2-for-4 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs.
Pleasant Valley was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .514. They are 7-1 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
The victory made it two in a row for Pleasant Valley and bumps their season record up to 9-6. Those wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered a grand total of 5 runs in those games. As for Pocono Mountain West, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-10.
Tuesday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Pocono Mountain West has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .458. However, it's not like Pleasant Valley struggles in that department as they've averaged .500. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Pocono Mountain West suffered a grim 13-3 defeat to Pleasant Valley in their previous meeting on April 1st. Will the Panthers have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
