The Franklin Sabers will head out on the road to challenge the Kaukauna Galloping Ghosts at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday. Franklin knows how to get runs on the board -- the squad has finished with ten runs or more in their past five contests -- so hopefully Kaukauna likes a good challenge.
Franklin came out on top against Kenosha Bradford on Friday thanks in part to the team's impressive nine-run third inning. The Sabers blew past the Red Devils 15-5. The Sabers haven't had any issues with the Red Devils recently, as the game was their ninth consecutive win against them.
Sam Ortiz
| 05/09/25 vs Kenosha Bradford | 3 |
| 04/17/25 vs Racine Park | 2 |
| 04/15/25 vs Racine Park | 2 |
| 04/11/25 @ Racine Case | 2 |
| 05/06/25 vs Kenosha Bradford | 1 |
Ben Hefter and Sam Ortiz were major factors no matter where they played. Throwing, Hefter pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Ortiz struck out 11 batters over four innings while giving up just two earned (and three unearned) runs off six hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in three consecutive appearances. At bat, Hefter got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs and one RBI, while Ortiz went a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. Those three runs gave Ortiz a new career-high.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Prescott Sanford, who went 2-for-4 with three runs, three RBI, and one triple. Those three RBI gave him a new career-high. Dominick Walters was another key player, going 1-for-3 with two stolen bases, one run, and one double.
Franklin kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least ten hits in three consecutive games.
Meanwhile, Kaukauna never let their opponents score on Tuesday. They won by a run and slipped past Oshkosh North 1-0. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Galloping Ghosts have posted against the Spartans since May 17, 2018.
Franklin's win was their tenth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 14-2. The home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.6 runs over those games. As for Kaukauna, they have been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four matches. That's provided a massive bump to their 6-5 record this season.
Franklin couldn't quite get it done against Kaukauna when the teams last played back in May of 2024 as they fell 11-6. Can the Sabers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
