Eastbrook hasn't had much luck against Frankton recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Panthers will challenge the Eagles at 5:30 p.m. Eastbrook is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.8 runs per game this season.
Saturday just wasn't the day for Eastbrook's offense. They fell just short of Madison-Grant by a score of 1-0 on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Frankton made easy work of Elwood on Thursday and carried off a 16-6 win. Considering the Eagles have won three contests by more than nine runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.
Hunter Ulery spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered just two earned (and four unearned) runs on nine hits and racked up six Ks. He also tossed no walks, which is notable because Frankton is 3-1 when he allows at most one walk, but 2-4 otherwise.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Caine Oakley, who went 3-for-5 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. He has become a key player for Frankton: the team is 2-1 when he posts at least one home run, but 3-4 otherwise. Another player making a difference was Riley Inglis, who went 2-for-4 with three stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI.
They weren't the only ones making solid contact: Frankton kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 18 hits. That's the most hits they've posted since back in April of 2024.
Frankton has been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five games. That's provided a massive bump to their 5-5 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.0 runs over those games. As for Eastbrook, their defeat dropped their record down to 10-6.
Tuesday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Eastbrook has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .457. However, it's not like Frankton struggles in that department as they've averaged .468. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Eastbrook suffered a grim 11-1 defeat to Frankton when the teams last played back in April of 2024. Can the Panthers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
