Queen's Grant had lost seven straight at home, but on Monday they dropped down to 2-14 to make it eight. They lost 10-2 to the Bradford Prep Bears. Unfortunately, that's the second time they've come up short against the Bears this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 12-2 on Thursday.
Derek Caraballo made the most of his time in the batter's box despite the final result and went 2-for-3 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one double. That double marked the first that he has hit this season.
As for Bradford Prep, their win bumped their record up to 5-11. The high-flying hitting performance was a huge turnaround for they considering their one-run performance the contest before.
On Bradford Prep's side, Noah Shorts and Caden Nelms made a splash no matter where they played. On the mound, Shorts tossed 1.1 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Nelms struck out seven batters over 5.2 innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off three hits. What's more, Shorts posted four strikeouts, the most he's had since back in March. At bat, Shorts got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base, while Nelms went 1-for-4 with two RBI and one run. Shorts is becoming a predictor of Bradford Prep's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 2-11 when he doesn't).
In other batting news, Jacob Harmon was a standout: he got on base in two of his four plate appearances with five stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI. Those five stolen bases gave him a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Jayce Minerick, who went 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI.
Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Queen's Grant will venture away from home to face off against Mountain Island Charter at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The Stallions' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Raptors have averaged an impressive 8.4 runs per game this season. As for Bradford Prep, they will head out to square off against Corvian Community at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The Cardinals will roll in looking for their fifth straight victory, something the Bears surely won't give up without a fight.
