Baseball Game Preview: Scio Loggers vs. Taft Tigers

For the second straight game, Scio will face off against Taft. The Loggers will square off against the Tigers at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Scio has given up an average of 10.1 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Scio is headed into the contest having just suffered their biggest defeat since April 17th on Wednesday. They came up short against Taft, falling 15-5. The loss continues a trend for the Loggers in their meetings with the Tigers: they've now lost six in a row.

For Taft's part, Zack Hankins was a major factor no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and only one walk). Hankins has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than two hits in 12 consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one triple. That's the most hits he has posted since back in April.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Trenton Battle, who went 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI. That's the most hits he has posted since back in April. Justice Kelso was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two RBI and one double.

Taft hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team has now struck out at least five batters in three consecutive matchups.

Taft has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won 13 of their last 15 games. That's provided a nice bump to their 16-4 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.9 runs over those games. As for Scio, their defeat dropped their record down to 7-14.

The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Friday as neither team is afraid to steal. Scio has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 2.7 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Taft struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 5.1 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.