Collins had lost three straight at home, but on Friday they dropped down to 1-8 to make it four. They came up short against the Sacred Heart Crusaders, falling 23-12. Even if the Tigers 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.
DERWIN MAGEE and JORDAN MCDONALD stepped up to the plate in a big way. MAGEE got on base in all five of his plate appearances with three stolen bases, three runs, and two RBI, while MCDONALD went 4-for-5 with five stolen bases, two runs, and one double. Another player making a difference was CHIKEZIE MCLAURIN, who got on base in all four of his plate appearances with three stolen bases, one run, and one RBI.
As for Sacred Heart, they have been performing incredibly well recently as they've won nine of their last ten matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 14-3 record this season. Their hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
On Sacred Heart's side, Colter Garner made a splash while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, tossing 5.2 innings while giving up just two earned (and four unearned) runs off three hits. Garner was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in five of his seven plate appearances with four stolen bases, four runs, and two RBI.
In other batting news, Sacred Heart let Kelly Crimmins and Adam Rhodes run wild. Crimmins got on base in six of his seven plate appearances with four runs, two stolen bases, and three RBI, while Rhodes went 4-for-5 with six RBI, two runs, and two doubles. Those six RBI gave Rhodes a new career-high. Cadyn Brock was another key player, getting on base in four of his six plate appearances with three runs and two RBI.
Collins will have a little extra prep time after the loss as they won't be playing again for a while. They'll take on North Forrest at 7:00 p.m. on April 7. As for Sacred Heart, they will be playing in front of their home fans against St. Patrick at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday.
