Baseball Game Preview: Essex Trojans vs. Jamestown Eagles

Essex hasn't had much luck against Jamestown recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Trojans will face off against the Eagles at 6:30 p.m. Essex's pitching crew has only allowed 2.4 runs per game this season, so Jamestown's hitters will have their work cut out for them.

Essex will roll into the matchup after a wild two-game stretch: they only put up one run two weeks ago, then bounced right back against Mathews on Thursday. The Trojans put the hurt on the Blue Devils with a sharp 11-1 victory. The win continues a trend for the Trojans in their matchups with the Blue Devils: they've now won eight in a row.

Hunter Byrd

Runs

04/10/25 @ Mathews	2
03/27/25 vs Middlesex	2
03/26/25 vs West Point	2
03/26/25 vs West Point	2
03/19/25 vs Mathews	1

Hunter Byrd made a splash no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Byrd was also big at the plate, scoring two runs while going 1-for-4. He is becoming a predictor of Essex's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 1-2 when he doesn't).

In other batting news, James (Jay) Jeter was incredible, scoring three runs and stealing three bases while going 3-for-3. He also hit a double, marking his first of the season. Another player making a difference was Xzayviia (Zay) Bundy, who scored a run and stole two bases while going 2-for-2.

Essex was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .417. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Mathews only posted a batting average of .043.

Meanwhile, after only one run in their last game, Jamestown made sure to put some runs up on the board against Warhill last Wednesday. The Eagles came out on top against the Lions by a score of 13-8. The Eagles' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.

Essex's record is now 5-2. As for Jamestown, their record now sits at 2-4.

Essex suffered a grim 8-0 defeat to Jamestown in their previous meeting back in March of 2024. Can the Trojans avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.