Wellsville hasn't had much luck against United recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Tigers will head out on the road to take on the Golden Eagles at 5:00 p.m. Wellsville has given up an average of 11.4 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Wellsville managed to slip by Catholic Central the last time these teams faced off, but didn't have those same answers this time around. The Tigers lost 12-4 to the Crusaders on Thursday. The Tigers' defeat continues a trend for the team, making it three in a row.
Wellsville saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Landon Ramsey, who went 1-for-3 with three stolen bases, one run, and one double. Austin Watkins was another, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with one run and one RBI.
Meanwhile, United waltzed into their game on Thursday with four straight wins... but they left with five. They never let the Indians get on the board and left with a 13-0 win. With that victory, the Golden Eagles brought their scoring average up to 6.3 runs per game.
Parker Newburn was a major factor no matter where he played. On the mound, he didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out nine over five innings pitched. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in seven consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.
In other batting news, Quentin Taylor was incredible, going 2-for-3 with three stolen bases and four runs. Those four runs gave him a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Kadin Schonauer, who got on base in two of his four plate appearances with two stolen bases and two runs.
United always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .656. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their OBP total in three consecutive matchups.
United's win was their tenth straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 16-5. Those home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.0 run on average over those games. As for Wellsville, their loss dropped their record down to 3-16.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Friday as neither team is afraid to steal. Wellsville has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 5.1 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like United struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 4.9 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Wellsville might still be hurting after the 10-1 defeat they got from United in their previous matchup two weeks ago. Can the Tigers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
