Indianapolis Shortridge hasn't had much luck against Park Tudor recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Blue Devils will look to defend their home field against the Panthers at 5:30 p.m. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.
Having struggled with five losses in a row, Indianapolis Shortridge turned things around against Purdue Broad Ripple on Saturday. They won by a run and slipped past the Lynx 14-13. Considering the Blue Devils' hitters had been struggling lately, the high-scoring outing was a much-needed turnaround.
Jorge Jobito was incredible, going 2-for-4 with three runs, one triple, and two RBI. That's the most hits he has posted since back in May of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Josh Sargeant, who went 1-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Park Tudor came tearing into Saturday's match with four straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 3 runs), and they left with even more momentum. They blew past the Warriors 11-1. That ten run margin sets a new team best for the Panthers this season.
Desmond Francis was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over five innings while giving up just one earned run off four hits. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in three consecutive appearances. He was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with two stolen bases, four RBI, and two runs. He also hit a triple, marking his first of the season.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on MJ Gaines, who got on base in all four of his plate appearances with four runs. Derek Ai was another key player, going 2-for-4 with three RBI.
Park Tudor always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .562. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Covenant Christian only posted an OBP of .409.
Park Tudor's win was their ninth straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 7-1. Those home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.3 runs on average over those games. As for Indianapolis Shortridge, their win bumped their record up to 2-6.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Tuesday as neither team is afraid to steal. Indianapolis Shortridge has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Park Tudor struggles in that department as they've been averaging 4.2 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Indianapolis Shortridge suffered a grim 15-0 defeat to Park Tudor in their previous meeting back in May of 2023. Can the Blue Devils avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
