The Wickliffe Blue Devils will head out to challenge the Kirtland Hornets at 5:00 p.m. on Monday. Wickliffe has given up an average of 9 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Chagrin Falls hit Wickliffe with a five-run sixth inning on Wednesday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Blue Devils lost 13-3 to the Tigers. The Blue Devils have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Blake Ludvik was cooking despite his team's loss, going 2-for-3 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one double.
Meanwhile, Kirtland is still undefeated this season after their contest against West Geauga on Friday, but West Geauga came as close as anyone has to beating them. The Hornets came within a single run of losing the streak, but they secured an 8-7 W against the Wolverines.
Zack Freeburg tossed a big game, tossing 4.2 innings while giving up just one earned (and five unearned) runs off four hits.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Lucci Cantini, who got on base in all four of his plate appearances with two runs, one double, and one RBI. Carson Kalous also deserves some recognition as he hit his first double of the season.
Kirtland was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .400. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .310 or higher in four consecutive matchups.
Kirtland's record now sits at 9-0. As for Wickliffe, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-8.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Monday as neither team is afraid to steal. Wickliffe has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.2 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Kirtland struggles in that department as they've been averaging 4.4 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Wickliffe skirted past Kirtland 4-2 in their previous matchup back in May of 2025. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Blue Devils since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
