Juniata is 0-10 against Halifax since May of 2019 but things could change on Wednesday. The Indians will be playing at home against the Wildcats at 4:30 p.m. Juniata has given up an average of 7.4 runs per game this season, but Wednesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Juniata was handed a 11-run loss in their previous outing, but that didn't affect their clutch gene on Monday. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 14-13 victory over Line Mountain. The win continues a trend for the Indians in their matchups with the Eagles: they've now won eight in a row.
Gage Harlon
| 04/28/25 @ Line Mountain | 3 |
| 04/22/25 vs East Juniata | 3 |
| 04/21/25 vs Line Mountain | 2 |
| 03/27/25 @ Saint Joseph's Catholic Academy | 2 |
| 04/16/25 vs Saint Joseph's Catholic Academy | 1 |
| + 1 more games |
Gage Harlon made a splash no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over 2.1 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Those six strikeouts gave him a new career-high. He was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-5 with three stolen bases, three RBI, and two runs. He has become a key player for Juniata: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two stolen bases, but 3-6-1 otherwise.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Garrett Imes, who went 3-for-4 with three RBI, one run, and one double. Bryce Harlon was another key player, getting on base in three of his five plate appearances with three runs and one stolen base.
Juniata kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. They are undefeated (2-0) when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, after a string of 11 wins, Halifax's good fortune finally ran out on Tuesday. They took an 8-4 hit to the loss column at the hands of Tri-Valley. Wildcats fans who chose to attend the game sure picked the wrong one: it was the first time the team's lost against the Bulldogs since on Tuesday.
Josh Zahurak was cooking despite his team's loss, going 2-for-5 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double. Dayton Bittner also deserves some recognition as he hit his first triple of the season.
Juniata now has a winning record of 7-6-1. As for Halifax, their defeat dropped their record down to 11-2.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Wednesday as neither team is afraid to steal. Juniata has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 5 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Halifax struggles in that department as they've been averaging 6.3 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Juniata couldn't quite get it done against Halifax in their previous meeting on April 4th as they fell 6-3. Will the Indians have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
