South Ripley is preparing for their first conference matchup of the season on Monday. They will face off against the Switzerland County Pacers at 5:00 p.m. Both come into the match bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Last Friday, South Ripley got the win against Waldron by a conclusive 12-5. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Raiders.
Mason McNew made a splash while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, tossing 1.1 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. McNew was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two RBI and one double. Those three hits gave him a new career-high.
Trevor Castner
| 04/11/25 @ Waldron | 3 |
| 03/30/24 vs Trinity Lutheran | 2 |
| 04/10/25 @ New Washington | 1 |
| 05/16/24 vs New Washington | 1 |
| 05/15/24 @ Shawe Memorial | 1 |
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Trevor Castner, who scored two runs and stole two bases while going 3-for-5. Those three hits gave him a new career-high. Trenton Smith was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while getting on base in four of his five plate appearances.
Meanwhile, it may have taken ten innings to finish the job, but Switzerland County ultimately got the result they hoped for on Saturday. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 4-2 victory over Christian Academy.
Like South Ripley, Switzerland County also got a great game from a two-way player: Jackson Sparks. He didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out ten over six innings pitched. Sparks was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in all six of his plate appearances with three stolen bases, two RBI, and one double.
In other batting news, Switzerland County let Braxton Eaglin and Madden Peelman run wild. Eaglin scored a run and stole a base while getting on base in three of his five plate appearances, while Peelman scored two runs and stole two bases while getting on base in three of his six plate appearances.
South Ripley's record is now 2-0. As for Switzerland County, their record now sits at an identical 2-0.
South Ripley skirted past Switzerland County 5-4 in their previous matchup back in May of 2024. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Raiders since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
