The East Rowan Mustangs will venture away from home to challenge the West Rowan Falcons at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Both teams are coming into the match red-hot, with East Rowan sitting on three straight wins and West Rowan on ten.
East Rowan let Lake Norman Charter stack four runs on them in the first inning on Thursday but luckily East Rowan prevailed anyway. The Mustangs had just enough and edged out the Knights 7-6.
Brady Ailshie looked comfortable as he pitched 2.2 innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit.
On the hitting side, East Rowan let Krys Hernandez and Hunter Goodman run wild. Hernandez went 2-for-3 with three runs, while Goodman went 2-for-4 with three RBI and one double. That's the most RBI Goodman has posted since back in March. The team also got some help courtesy of Harrison Ailshie, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with one run.
Meanwhile, West Rowan got the win against Central Cabarrus on Thursday by a conclusive 12-2. The Falcons might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won ten games by six runs or more this season.
Brant Graham and Cole Blevins made a splash no matter where they played. Throwing, Graham didn't allow a single earned run over four innings pitched. Meanwhile, Blevins tossed two innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off two hits. He has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances. At bat, Graham got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base, while Blevins got on base in two of his four plate appearances with one run and one RBI.
In other batting news, Maddox Moore was incredible, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with four RBI, one run, and one double. Eli Graham was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
West Rowan always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .588. That was just more of the same: they've now posted an OBP of .541 or higher in three consecutive contests.
East Rowan's record is now 18-4. As for West Rowan, their record now sits at 19-3.
Tuesday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. East Rowan has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .440. However, it's not like West Rowan struggles in that department as they've averaged .480. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
East Rowan took their victory against West Rowan in their previous matchup back in March by a conclusive 11-0 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Mustangs since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
