The Gaithersburg Trojans will face off against the Paint Branch Panthers at 3:45 p.m. on Wednesday. Gaithersburg has given up an average of 8.8 runs per game this season, but Wednesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Monday just wasn't the day for Gaithersburg's offense. They came up short against Sherwood on Monday, falling 15-0. The loss continues a trend for the Trojans in their meetings with the Warriors: they've now lost seven in a row.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Paint Branch, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Saturday. They blew past Springbrook 16-6 on Monday. The Panthers haven't had any issues with the Blue Devils recently, as the game was their eighth consecutive victory against them.
Sebastian Ruiz made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. He also tossed no walks, which is notable because Paint Branch is 2-1 when he allows at most two walks, but 2-4 otherwise. Ruiz was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with three stolen bases, three runs, and three RBI. Those three stolen bases gave him a new career-high.
In other batting news, Mason Grayer was incredible, going 2-for-4 with four stolen bases, four runs, and one RBI. Paint Branch is 4-1 when Grayer posts two or more stolen bases, but 0-4 otherwise. Another player making a difference was Cameron Smith, who went 2-for-4 with two runs, two RBI, and one double.
Paint Branch was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .412. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Springbrook only posted a batting average of .217.
Paint Branch's win bumped their record up to 4-5. As for Gaithersburg, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-6.
Wednesday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Gaithersburg has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .457. However, it's not like Paint Branch struggles in that department as they've averaged .473. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Gaithersburg beat Paint Branch 11-6 in their previous meeting back in April of 2019. Will the Trojans repeat their success, or do the Panthers have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
