The Washington Township Senators will face off against the River Forest Ingots at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Washington Township hasn't scored more than two runs for three games straight, a trend the squad is eager to reverse.
Washington Township came into their game on Monday off a hard-fought close win, but unfortunately suffered a serious change of fortune. They came up short against South Central, falling 7-0. The game marked the first time this year in which the Senators were not able to get on the board.
Washington Township saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Hunter Lang, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one double.
Meanwhile, River Forest won against Wheeler on Monday with eight runs and they decided to stick to that run total again on Tuesday. The Ingots skirted past the Bearcats 8-6. The home team had taken home the W every time these teams have met since May 15, 2023, but that streak is no more.
Sebastian Collazo IV was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He struck out eight batters over 6.2 innings while giving up five earned (and one unearned) runs off ten hits. That's the most strikeouts he has posted over his last three matches. He was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with three RBI and one stolen base.
In other batting news, Walter Jaime was incredible, getting on base in four of his five plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and two RBI. He is becoming a predictor of River Forest's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 5-6 when he doesn't). Another player making a difference was Brandon Fergerson, who went 1-for-4 with two RBI.
River Forest always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .526. They are a perfect 6-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
River Forest's win ended a four-game drought on the road and puts them at 9-6. As for Washington Township, their loss dropped their record down to 5-4-1.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Washington Township has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 9.1 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like River Forest struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 7.3 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Washington Township took their victory against River Forest when the teams last played back in April of 2024 by a conclusive 11-1 score. Will the Senators repeat their success, or do the Ingots have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
