The Port Byron Panthers will square off against the Hannibal Warriors at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Port Byron has a tough task ahead: they'll enter the game with four straight losses, while Hannibal will come in with five straight wins.
Port Byron managed to slip by Onondaga the last time these teams faced off, but didn't have those same answers this time around. The Panthers came up short against the Tigers on Monday, falling 15-1.
Port Byron saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Alex Laframboise, who went 1-for-2 with one stolen base.
Meanwhile, Hannibal hadn't done well against Pulaski recently (they were 1-8 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Wednesday. The Warriors came out on top against the Blue Devils by a score of 8-3.
Alex Miller made a big impact no matter where he played. On the mound, he struck out seven batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off seven hits (and not a single walk). He has been consistent: he hasn't tossed less than seven strikeouts in seven consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with two runs, one double, and one RBI.
In other batting news, Hannibal let Logan Ames and Ricky Malone run wild. Ames went 3-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double, while Malone went 2-for-4 with three RBI and one stolen base. Those three RBI gave Malone a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Martin VanBuren, who went 2-for-4 with one run and one RBI.
Hannibal's victory bumped their record up to 9-4. As for Port Byron, their defeat dropped their record down to 5-11.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Port Byron has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.9 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Hannibal struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8.2 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Port Byron couldn't quite get it done against Hannibal in their previous matchup back in April as they fell 5-1. Will the Panthers 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.
