McCluer is 9-0-1 against Riverview Gardens since April of 2017 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Friday. The Comets will be playing at home against the Rams at 4:15 p.m. McCluer is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.3 runs per game this season.
McCluer took a 14-run loss the last time they faced off against McCluer North, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Comets had just enough and edged out the Stars 6-5. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Comets have posted since April 15, 2024.
William Speed made a splash while hitting and pitching. He struck out 11 batters over 5.2 innings while giving up five earned runs off five hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in four consecutive appearances. He was also stellar in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with four stolen bases and two runs. He is becoming a predictor of McCluer's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 0-3 when he doesn't).
Xavier Hill
| 04/24/25 @ McCluer North | 3 |
| 04/15/25 @ Normandy | 2 |
| 04/14/25 vs Gateway Tech | 2 |
| 04/17/25 @ Hazelwood East | 1 |
In other batting news, Xavier Hill was excellent, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with three stolen bases and one run. He has become a key player for McCluer: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two stolen bases, but 0-3 otherwise. Colt Gates was another key player, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base.
Meanwhile, Riverview Gardens was not able to break out of their rough patch on Wednesday as the team picked up their 12th straight defeat dating back to last season. They fell 24-19 to Cahokia. Even if the Rams couldn't come away with the win, the high-scoring effort was a great turnaround for their hitters, which had struggled int the games prior.
Logan Washam was cooking despite his team's loss, getting on base in all five of his plate appearances with four runs and one RBI. That RBI marked the first that he has brought in this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Tyler Hill, who got on base in four of his five plate appearances with one run.
The victory got McCluer back to even at 3-3. As for Riverview Gardens, their loss dropped their record down to 0-5.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. McCluer has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 9.3 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Riverview Gardens struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.2 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
McCluer was able to grind out a solid win over Riverview Gardens when the teams last played back in May of 2024, winning 5-0. Do the Comets have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Rams turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
