Albion has won three straight games at home, while Medina has won three straight on the road dating back to last season, but those streaks won't matter much on Thursday. The Purple Eagles will welcome the Mustangs at 4:45 p.m. Albion is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.5 runs per game this season.
On Monday, Albion needed a bit of extra time to put away Wilson. They came out on top in a nail-biter against the Lakemen, sneaking past 4-3. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Purple Eagles have posted since April 20, 2024.
Nathan Gibson
| 04/26/25 @ Newfane | 13 |
| 04/30/25 @ Barker | 11 |
| 05/05/25 vs Wilson | 10 |
| 04/04/25 vs Pembroke | 3 |
| 04/22/25 vs Pavilion | 1 |
Nathan Gibson was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he struck out ten batters over six innings while giving up just two earned runs off two hits. Albion is undefeated when Gibson posts eight or more strikeouts, but 3-5 otherwise. Gibson was also big at the plate, going 2-for-5 with two RBI.
In other batting news, Elliott Trapiss was excellent, getting on base in four of his five plate appearances with one run and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Medina's rock-solid pitchers showed up for the team's fourth consecutive shutout on Monday. They never let Newfane get on the board and left with a 14-0 win. The Mustangs might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won six matches by six runs or more this season.
Like Albion, Medina also got a great game from a two-way player: Brody Fry. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Fry has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in seven consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-2 with two runs, one double, and one RBI. That double marked the first that he has hit this season.
In other pitching news, Lucas Grimes looked comfortable as he tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits.
Back at the plate, the team relied heavily on Aidan Papaj, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, six RBI, and three runs. Those six RBI gave him a new career-high. Vinny Gray was another key player, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with three runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
Medina's victory bumped their record up to 11-0. As for Albion, they now have a winning record of 6-5.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Thursday as neither team is afraid to steal. Albion has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.9 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Medina struggles in that department as they've been averaging 3.5 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Albion suffered a grim 12-1 defeat to Medina in their previous matchup back in May of 2024. Can the Purple Eagles avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
