Kirtland is 0-3 against Riverside since May of 2015 but things could change on Tuesday. The Hornets will welcome the Beavers at 4:30 p.m. Kirtland is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.4 runs per game this season.
On Monday, Kirtland was able to grind out a solid win over Grand Valley, taking the game 8-3. The Hornets haven't had any issues with the Mustangs recently, as the game was their fifth consecutive victory against them.
Max Paul
| 05/19/25 vs Grand Valley | 5 |
| 05/12/25 @ West Geauga | 7 |
| 05/07/25 vs Wickliffe | 5 |
| 04/28/25 @ Crestwood | 7 |
| 04/23/25 @ Harvey | 7 |
| + 3 more games |
Max Paul looked comfortable as he pitched four innings while giving up three earned runs off four hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in eight consecutive appearances.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Luciano Cantini, who went 2-for-4 with two doubles, two RBI, and one run.
Meanwhile, Riverside entered their tilt with Benedictine on Monday with six consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with seven. Their pitchers stepped up to hand the Bengals a 10-0 shutout. Considering the Beavers have won nine contests by more than five runs this season, Monday's blowout was nothing new.
Ethan Hay looked comfortable as he didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits over four innings pitched.
On the hitting side, Lelynd Chapman was a standout: he went 1-for-3 with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base. That triple was his first of the season. Spencer Short was another key player, going 1-for-2 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
Riverside was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .381. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Benedictine only posted a batting average of .118.
Riverside pushed their record up to 16-8 with the win, which was their fourth straight on the road. The road victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.3 runs on average over those games. As for Kirtland, their win bumped their record up to 15-6.
Tuesday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Kirtland hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .326. However, it's not like Riverside struggles in that department as they've averaged .334. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Kirtland suffered a grim 8-1 defeat to Riverside in their previous matchup back in March of 2019. Will the Hornets have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other baseball content.
