The McClave Cardinals will challenge the Stratton Eagles at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. McClave has given up an average of 6.9 runs per game this season, but Saturday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
McClave fought the good fight in their extra-innings game against Otis on Monday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They came up short against the Bulldogs, falling 19-8. The Cardinals just can't catch a break and have now endured three losses in a row.
Kielan Mallard was huge no matter where he played even without the win. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over six innings while giving up just two earned (and three unearned) runs off five hits. That's the fewest earned runs he has allowed since back in April of 2024. He was also big at the plate, going a perfect 5-for-5 with two doubles, one stolen base, and two RBI.
Ryan Steinbrunn
| 03/28/25 vs Manzanola | 4 |
| 04/14/25 vs Otis | 2 |
| 04/02/25 @ Granada | 2 |
| 03/25/25 vs Wiley | 2 |
| 03/25/25 vs Wiley | 2 |
| + 6 more games |
In other batting news, Ryan Steinbrunn made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and went 2-for-4 with two runs, two doubles, and one RBI. He is becoming a predictor of McClave's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is 5-1 (and 3-4 when he doesn't). Lawton Annen was another key player, going 4-for-5 with one double and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Stratton didn't have quite enough to beat Byers on Thursday and fell 2-1. The Eagles have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Von Isenbart was cooking despite his team's loss, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two stolen bases, one double, and one RBI. He has been hot recently, having posted at least one stolen base the last four times he's played.
Stratton's defeat dropped their record down to 3-6. As for McClave, their loss dropped their record down to 8-5.
Stratton's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: McClave hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .374. It's a different story for Stratton, though, as they've only averaged .243. Will they be able to contain McClave's hitters?
McClave might still be hurting after the 12-1 defeat they got from Stratton in their previous meeting back in April of 2024. Will the Cardinals have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.
