The National Trail Blazers will venture away from home to challenge the Troy Christian Eagles at 5:00 p.m. on Monday.
National Trail managed to slip by Franklin Monroe the last time these teams faced off, but didn't have those same answers this time around. The Blazers came up short against the Jets on Saturday, falling 13-3. Blazers fans who chose to attend the game sure picked the wrong one: it was the first time the team's lost against the Jets since on Saturday.
Grady Ott was cooking despite his team's loss, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two doubles, one run, and one RBI. Jackson Skinner also deserves some recognition as he snagged his first stolen base of the season.
Meanwhile, Troy Christian posted their closest victory since April 29, 2024 on Thursday. They skirted past Bethel 4-2. While the Eagles didn't have the best season last year (they finished 11-15), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past.
Judah Simmons spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered two runs (both of which were unearned) on four hits and racked up seven Ks. He also tossed no walks, which is notable because Troy Christian is undefeated when he allows at most two walks, but 1-2 otherwise.
On the hitting side, Troy Christian's win was truly a team effort as four different players contributed at least one hit. One of them was Landon Day, who went 1-for-4 with one run, one double, and one RBI.
The victory made it two in a row for Troy Christian and bumps their season record up to 5-2. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.5 runs over those games. As for National Trail, they have been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four matches. That's put a noticeable dent in their 4-7 record this season.
National Trail's speedy runners might be the difference in Monday's game. The Blazers have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.3 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Troy Christian, though, as they've been averaging only 0.9 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will National Trail continue to outrun the ball?
National Trail took their victory against Troy Christian when the teams last played back in April of 2024 by a conclusive 12-2 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Blazers since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
