The Tazewell Bulldogs will head out to challenge the Richlands Blue Tornado at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. Tazewell has given up an average of 7.6 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Tazewell came up short against Lebanon on Thursday, falling 14-4. The Bulldogs have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Alex Compton made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and went 2-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI. That stolen base marked the first that he has snagged this season.
Richlands came out on top against Marion on Thursday thanks in part to the team's impressive six-run fourth inning. The Blue Tornado were the clear victors by a 12-4 margin over the Scarlet Hurricanes. The Blue Tornado haven't had any issues with the Scarlet Hurricanes recently, as the game was their third consecutive victory against them.
Collin Adkins was a major factor no matter where he played. He tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Richlands is 2-1 when Adkins allows three or fewer hits, but 8-9 otherwise. Adkins was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI. That's the most stolen bases he has posted since back in April.
In other batting news, Gage Hylton and Bradley Fuller did most of the damage at the plate: Hylton went 3-for-4 with three runs, one stolen base, and one double, while Fuller went 2-for-3 with three stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI. Fuller is becoming a predictor of Richlands' success: when he posts at least two runs the team is 2-1 (and 8-9 when he doesn't). Another player making a difference was Riley Perkins, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two stolen bases, two RBI, and one run.
Richlands kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Marion only managed six hits.
The win got Richlands back to even at 10-10. As for Tazewell, their loss dropped their record down to 5-9.
Tazewell couldn't quite get it done against Richlands in their previous matchup back in May of 2024 as they fell 11-6. Can the Bulldogs avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
