North Putnam and Cloverdale are an even 5-5 against one another since April of 2015, but likely not for long. The North Putnam Cougars will head out on the road to challenge the Cloverdale Clovers at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. North Putnam is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.2 runs per game this season.
Having struggled with three defeats in a row, North Putnam finally turned things around against Owen Valley on Tuesday. North Putnam skirted past Owen Valley 9-7.
Alec Mckenzie was a major factor no matter where he played. He pitched two innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits. Mckenzie was also big at the plate, scoring two runs while going 1-for-4.
In other batting news, Jaylen Windmiller was excellent, scoring a run while going 3-for-4.
Meanwhile, Cloverdale made easy work of Parke Heritage on Thursday and carried off a 7-1 win.
Drake Hoffa spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered one run (which was unearned) on three hits and racked up 13 Ks. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in four consecutive pitching appearances.
At the plate, Caiden Watts and Ben Campbell did most of the damage at the plate: Watts scored two runs and stole a base while going 3-for-4, while Campbell scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-4. Landon Duncan was another key contributor, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 1-for-3.
North Putnam's record is now 8-4. As for Cloverdale, their record is now 4-6.
Cloverdale's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: North Putnam has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .433. It's a different story for Cloverdale, though, as they've only averaged .350. Will they be able to contain North Putnam's hitters? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
