The Superior Panthers will head out to face off against the San Manuel Miners at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Superior has given up an average of 7.6 runs per game this season, but Tuesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
On Monday, Superior came up short against Lincoln Prep and fell 15-12. The Panthers have struggled against the Lightning recently, as the game was their sixth consecutive lost matchup.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask San Manuel). They put the hurt on Valley Lutheran with a sharp 20-3 victory on Saturday. Considering the Miners have won eight contests by more than seven runs this season, Saturday's blowout was nothing new.
Kevin Waddell and Tanner Decker were major factors while hitting and pitching. On the mound, Waddell tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Decker pitched 1.2 innings while giving up just one earned run but no hits. He has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. At bat, Waddell got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base, while Decker went 2-for-4 with two runs and one RBI. Decker is becoming a predictor of San Manuel's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is 10-2 (and 3-4 when he doesn't).
San Manuel always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .625. The last time their OBP was this high was back in April of 2025.
San Manuel has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won six of their last seven matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 13-6 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.4 runs over those games. As for Superior, their defeat dropped their record down to 6-14-1.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Superior has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.9 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like San Manuel struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8.5 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Superior might still be hurting after the 11-1 loss they got from San Manuel when the teams last played back in March. Can the Panthers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
