The Neshannock Lancers will venture away from home to face off against the Riverside Panthers at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. Neshannock is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 9.4 runs per game this season.
Neshannock came out on top against Northgate on Tuesday thanks in part to the team's impressive seven-run first inning. The Lancers were the clear victors by a 12-0 margin over the Flames. The Lancers haven't had any issues with the Flames recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive win against them.
Denny Joseph looked comfortable as he pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in four consecutive appearances.
Cole Hutchison
| 04/28/26 @ Northgate | 3 |
| 04/07/25 vs Freedom Area | 2 |
| 04/13/26 @ Aliquippa | 1 |
| 03/26/26 vs Greenville | 1 |
| 03/25/26 vs Central Valley | 1 |
At the plate, Neshannock let Cole Hutchison and Nathan Rickel run wild. Hutchison went 1-for-3 with three RBI, one stolen base, and one run, while Rickel went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, one run, and one double. Those three RBI gave Hutchison a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Joey DiMuccio, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs.
Meanwhile, Riverside entered their game against Laurel on Thursday without any home losses, but there's a first time for everything. The Panthers fell 6-1 to the Spartans.
Riverside saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Jackson Barber, who went 1-for-3 with one double.
Riverside's loss dropped their record down to 8-6. As for Neshannock, their victory bumped their record up to 14-2.
Thursday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Neshannock has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .511. However, it's not like Riverside struggles in that department as they've averaged .434. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Neshannock was able to grind out a solid win over Riverside in their previous matchup back in April of 2024, winning 5-2. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Lancers since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
