The Aquilla Cougars will challenge the Oglesby Tigers at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. The two teams are strolling into their games after big wins in their previous games.
Aquilla is headed in fresh off scoring the most runs they have all season. They were the clear victors by a 19-5 margin over Gholson on Tuesday. With that win, the Cougars brought their scoring average up to 6.2 runs per game.
Ryan Hill made a splash no matter where he played. On the mound, he struck out six batters over 3.2 innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off three hits. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in four consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs while going 2-for-4. He has become a key player for Aquilla: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 3-7 otherwise.
Mason Cockrell
| 04/08/25 @ Gholson | 4 |
| 03/05/24 @ Texas Wind | 2 |
| 03/28/25 vs Gholson | 1 |
| 04/26/24 @ Jonesboro | 1 |
| 04/12/24 @ Oglesby | 1 |
In other batting news, Mason Cockrell was a standout: he scored four runs and stole four bases while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances. Those four stolen bases gave him a new career-high. Rayce Yrios was another key player, scoring four runs and stealing two bases while going 2-for-2.
Aquilla always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .600. They are a perfect 4-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Meanwhile, Oglesby got the win against Jonesboro on Tuesday by a conclusive 18-3. The Tigers might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won seven matches by six runs or more this season.
Like Aquilla, Oglesby also got a great game from a two-way player: Camden Webb. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching four innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off six hits. Webb was also big at the plate, scoring three runs while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Callen Webb, who went 2-for-4 with five RBI, three runs, and one triple. Another player making a difference was Tucker Melton, who scored two runs and stole four bases while getting on base in two of his four plate appearances.
Oglesby has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won ten of their last 11 contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 11-6 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.0 runs over those games. As for Aquilla, their win bumped their record up to 9-7.
Friday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Aquilla has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .434. However, it's not like Oglesby struggles in that department as they've averaged .449. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Aquilla came out on top in a nail-biter against Oglesby in their previous matchup last Tuesday, sneaking past 7-6. Will the Cougars repeat their success, or do the Tigers have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
