The Manchester Academy Mavericks will take on the Winston Academy Patriots at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Manchester Academy is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 10.2 runs per game this season.
Tuesday just wasn't the day for Manchester Academy's offense. They lost 10-0 to Sylva Bay Academy on Tuesday. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest defeat the Mavericks have suffered since March 21st.
Meanwhile, Winston Academy had already proven themselves in the regular season and they didn't miss a beat now that it's playoff time. They came out on top against Kirk Academy by a score of 8-3 on Thursday. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Patriots.
Reed Yates was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching 6.1 innings while giving up three earned runs off six hits. Yates was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with one home run, one stolen base, and two RBI.
In other batting news, Jonah Hood was incredible, going 2-for-4 with one triple, one stolen base, and two RBI. That's the most hits he has posted since back in March. Another player making a difference was Owen Woodward, who went 2-for-4 with two runs, one double, and one RBI.
Manchester Academy's loss dropped their record down to 27-9. As for Winston Academy, their win bumped their record up to 19-9.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Tuesday as neither team is afraid to steal. Manchester Academy has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.8 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Winston Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging 3.1 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Everything went Manchester Academy's way against Winston Academy in their previous meeting back in March, as Manchester Academy made off with a 15-3 victory. Do the Mavericks have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Patriots turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
