Derby is 1-9 against Woodland Regional since May of 2018 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Friday. The Red Raiders will face off against the Hawks at 3:45 p.m. Derby is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.4 runs per game this season.
Derby will roll into the game after a wild two-game stretch: they only put up one run on Monday, then bounced right back against Waterbury Career Academy on Wednesday. The Red Raiders blew past the Spartans 14-2. The Red Raiders haven't had any issues with the Spartans recently, as the game was their sixth consecutive victory against them.
Nikolas Kotucek made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He kept things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out 15 over five innings pitched. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two hits in four consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base. That's the most hits he has posted since back in May of 2024.
Vincent Nuzzo
| 04/30/25 @ Waterbury Career Academy | 2 |
| 04/28/25 vs Kennedy | 1 |
| 04/25/25 @ Oxford | 1 |
| 04/24/25 vs Naugatuck | 1 |
| 04/21/25 @ Crosby | 2 |
In other batting news, Derby got a massive performance out of Vincent Nuzzo, who went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI. Nuzzo is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as he's now snagged at least one in each of the last five games he's played. Michael Slack also deserves some recognition as he hit his first double of the season.
Derby always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .543. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Meanwhile, Woodland Regional was not able to break out of their rough patch on Wednesday as the team picked up their third straight loss. They were a single run away from ending the streak, but they lost a 7-6 heartbreaker at the hands of Wolcott.
Jack Schwenger made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and went 1-for-2 with two RBI, one run, and one double. Another player making a difference was Tyler DeCrescenzo, who went 2-for-4 with three runs.
Woodland Regional's defeat dropped their record down to 7-11. As for Derby, their record is now 4-7.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Friday as neither team is afraid to steal. Derby has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 6.2 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Woodland Regional struggles in that department as they've been averaging 3.2 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Derby couldn't quite get it done against Woodland Regional in their previous matchup back in May of 2024 as they fell 5-1. Can the Red Raiders avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
