Mercer County is 8-0 against Stark County since April of 2017, and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Monday. The Mercer County Golden Eagles will be staying on the road to face off against the Stark County Rebels at 4:30 p.m. Mercer County is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.4 runs per game this season.
Mercer County will bounce into Monday's matchup after beating Monmouth United, who they hadn't topped in nine consecutive meetings. Mercer County came out on top in a nail-biter against Monmouth United on Saturday and snuck past 12-10.
Kale Breeden was a major factor no matter where he played. On the mound, he pitched 2.2 innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. Breeden was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in four of his five plate appearances with a home run, two runs, and two RBI.
In other batting news, Mercer County got a big performance out of Jacob Kenney, who scored two runs while going 2-for-5. Carson Boelens was another key contributor, scoring two runs while going 3-for-5.
Meanwhile, Stark County was not able to break out of their rough patch on Tuesday as the team picked up their third straight defeat. They took a 6-2 hit to the loss column at the hands of Ridgewood [AlWood/Cambridge].
Like Mercer County, Stark County also got a great game from a two-way player: Connor Daum. He struck out six batters over four innings while giving up just two earned (and two unearned) runs off four hits. Daum has been consistent recently: he hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in four consecutive pitching appearances. Daum was also big at the plate, scoring a run and stealing two bases while getting on base in two of his three plate appearances.
In other batting news, Dollon Steelman made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and went 3-for-3 with a stolen base, two RBI, and a double.
Mercer County's victory ended a five-game drought on the road and puts them at 9-11. As for Stark County, their loss dropped their record down to 9-12.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Monday as neither team is afraid to steal. Mercer County has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Stark County struggles in that department as they've been averaging 4.6. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Mercer County took their win against Stark County in their previous meeting back in May of 2021 by a conclusive 12-3. Will Mercer County repeat their success, or does Stark County have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
