Baseball Game Preview: Long Branch Green Wave vs. Keyport Raiders

For the second straight game, Long Branch will face off against Keyport. The Green Wave will host the Raiders at 10:00 a.m. on Friday.

On Wednesday, Long Branch earned a 13-8 win over Keyport.

Long Branch let David Jules and Havier Gonzalez run wild. Jules got on base in four of his five plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and three RBI, while Gonzalez got on base in four of his five plate appearances with five stolen bases and four runs. Gonzalez is becoming a predictor of Long Branch's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 1-3 when he doesn't). The team also got some help courtesy of Carlos Torres, who went 3-for-5 with three RBI and one run.

Long Branch always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .545. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Keyport only posted an OBP of .400.

Long Branch's victory was their third straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 4-3. Those road wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.3 runs over those games. As for Keyport, they are on a three-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 2-3.

Friday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Long Branch has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .592. However, it's not like Keyport struggles in that department as they've averaged .444. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other baseball content.