The Temple Christian Crusaders will face off against Faith Christian Academy at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Both come into the match bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
While Temple Christian's win against Westover Christian Academy wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. Temple Christian had just enough and edged out Westover Christian Academy 8-7. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Crusaders have posted since April 22, 2024.
Blake Cash
| 03/13/25 vs Westover Christian Academy | 7 |
| 04/26/24 @ Regents | 4 |
| 04/22/24 vs Christian Heritage Academy | 2 |
| 04/09/24 vs Westover Christian Academy | 4 |
| 04/04/24 vs Grace Christian | 2 |
| + 3 more games |
Silas Walker and Blake Cash were a major factor no matter where they played. On the mound, Walker struck out eight batters over 3.2 innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off five hits (and only one walk). Meanwhile, Cash struck out seven batters over 3.1 innings while giving up just two earned (and two unearned) runs off two hits (and only one walk). That's the most strikeouts he has posted since back in March of 2024. At bat, Walker scored a run and stole Two bases. while going 2-for-4, while Cash scored a run and stole Four bases. while going 1-for-2.
They weren't the only ones making solid contact as two players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Jace Reno, who scored a run while going 1-for-4.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Faith Christian Academy). They walked away with an 11-6 win over Roanoke Valley Christian on Friday.
Like Temple Christian, Faith Christian Academy also got a great game from a two-way player: Andrew Ploetner. He didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out seven over 4.2 innings pitched. Ploetner was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs while getting on base in four of his five plate appearances. He also hit a double, marking his first of the season.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Aaron Keesee, who scored a run and stole Four bases. while going 2-for-4. Keesee is crushing it when it comes to stolen bases: he's snagged at least one every time he's taken the field this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Owen Parker, who scored a run while going 2-for-5.
Faith Christian Academy was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .394. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Roanoke Valley Christian only posted a batting average of .200.
The victory got Temple Christian back to even at 1-1. As for Faith Christian Academy, the win got them back to even at 2-2.
Temple Christian might still be hurting after the 24-0 loss they got from Faith Christian Academy when the teams last played back in April of 2022. Will Temple Christian 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.
