Manheim Central is 0-3 against Palmyra since March of 2023 but things could change on Friday. The Barons are taking a road trip to take on the Cougars at 4:15 p.m. Both teams are coming into the matchup red-hot, with Manheim Central sitting on seven straight victories and Palmyra on 12.
Manheim Central proved they can win big on Monday (they won by ten) and on Wednesday they proved they can win the close ones too. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 2-1 win over Donegal.
Tanner Travitz
| 04/15/26 @ Donegal | 1 |
| 04/08/26 vs Octorara Area | 2 |
| 04/07/26 @ Cocalico | 0 |
| 04/02/26 vs J.P. McCaskey | 2 |
| 03/27/26 vs Cedar Crest | 1 |
| 03/21/26 @ Ephrata | 2 |
Tanner Travitz spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered only one earned run on seven hits. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances.
Meanwhile, Palmyra posted their closest victory since April 28, 2025 on Wednesday. They came out on top in a nail-biter against Hershey, sneaking past 4-3. Those four runs were actually the fewest the Cougars have put up all season, but given the result they're probably not too concerned.
Aiden Willard made a splash no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Willard was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base. That triple marked the first that he has hit this season.
In other pitching news, Logan Kriner tossed a big game, pitching five innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off five hits.
Back at the plate, Julian Meley was excellent, going 3-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double. Those three hits gave him a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Ezra Good, who went 2-for-3 with one triple, one stolen base, and one RBI.
Palmyra always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .515. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Hershey only posted an OBP of .276.
Manheim Central's record now sits at 9-3. As for Palmyra, their record is now 12-0.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Friday as neither team is afraid to steal. Manheim Central has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.2 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Palmyra struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 4 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Manheim Central might still be hurting after the 13-3 defeat they got from Palmyra in their previous meeting back in April of 2025. Can the Barons avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
