Tawas Area extended their losing streak to three on Tuesday, dropping their season record down to 6-13 in the process. They took a 12-8 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Hillman Tigers. Unfortunately, that's the third time they've come up short against the Tigers this season, with their most recent defeat being a 13-2 loss back in April.
Preston Muckenthler was huge no matter where he played even without the win. He tossed five innings while giving up just one earned (and four unearned) runs off five hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. He is becoming a predictor of Tawas Area's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is 4-2 (and 2-11 when he doesn't).
Hunter Oliver
| 04/24/25 @ Atlanta | 5 |
| 04/14/25 vs Hale | 3 |
| 05/27/25 vs Hillman | 2 |
| 05/12/25 @ Whittemore-Prescott | 2 |
| 05/20/25 vs Glenn | 1 |
| + 3 more games |
In other batting news, Hunter Oliver was cooking despite his team's loss, going 3-for-5 with two runs, two doubles, and one stolen base. Tawas Area is 3-1 when Oliver posts two or more runs, but 3-12 otherwise. The team also got some help courtesy of Myles Parish, who went 1-for-3 with one stolen base and one RBI.
As for Hillman, their victory bumped their record up to 23-7. The high-scoring performance was a welcome turnaround for their hitters, who had struggled in the games prior.
Like Tawas Area, Hillman also got a great game from a two-way player: Evan Crane. He looked comfortable on the mound, tossing five innings while giving up just two earned (and five unearned) runs off eight hits. Crane was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, four RBI, and two runs. Those four RBI gave him a new career-high.
In other batting news, Layne Rouleau was incredible, getting on base in four of his five plate appearances with three stolen bases and three runs. That's the most stolen bases he has posted over his last 11 contests.
As of now, neither Tawas Area nor Hillman have any future games scheduled.
