The Pilgrim Academy Pioneers will head out on the road to challenge the Atlantic Christian Cougars at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The two teams are strolling into their matchups after big wins in their previous games.
The Pilgrim Academy headed into their last contest having not scored more than two runs for five straight, but Cape May County Tech let them put that streak behind them. The Pioneers blew past the Hawks 17-7 on Monday. The win was a breath of fresh air for the Pioneers as it put an end to their eight-game losing streak.
Luke McGonagle
| 05/19/25 vs Cape May County Tech | 2 |
| 05/12/25 @ Buena | 1 |
| 04/01/25 @ Calvary Christian Academy | 2 |
The Pilgrim Academy's victory was truly a team effort as five different players contributed at least one hit. One of them was Luke McGonagle, who went 2-for-4 with two runs. That's the most hits McGonagle has posted since back in April.
Meanwhile, Atlantic Christian waltzed into their game last Friday with four straight wins... but they left with five. They were the clear victors by a 15-9 margin over the Greyhounds. The result was nothing new for the Cougars, who have now won six matchups by six runs or more so far this season.
Ethan Costello was a major factor no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out ten batters over four innings while giving up four earned runs off four hits (and only one walk). He has been consistent: he hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in five consecutive appearances. He was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in three of his five plate appearances with one home run, three runs, and one stolen base. He has become a key player for Atlantic Christian: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 2-4 otherwise.
In other batting news, Seth Phillips was incredible, getting on base in all five of his plate appearances with four runs, one double, and one RBI. Atlantic Christian is undefeated when Phillips posts two or more runs, but 1-4 otherwise. Another player making a difference was Colton Carney, who went 1-for-3 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs.
Atlantic Christian lost a few balls and finished the game with two home runs. That's the most home runs they've managed all season.
Atlantic Christian pushed their record up to 10-4 with the win, which was their fourth straight at home. The home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.3 runs over those games. As for The Pilgrim Academy, their record now sits at 3-9.
The Pilgrim Academy suffered a grim 15-0 defeat to Atlantic Christian in their previous matchup back in April. Can the Pioneers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
