Akron hasn't had much luck against Royalton-Hartland recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Tigers are taking a road trip to face off against the Rams at 4:45 p.m. Akron is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.1 runs per game this season.
Akron fell victim to Medina and their airtight pitching crew on Wednesday. They took a 3-0 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Mustangs. The Tigers have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Meanwhile, it may have taken nine innings to finish the job, but Royalton-Hartland ultimately got the result they hoped for on Monday. They put the hurt on Oakfield-Alabama with a sharp 13-7 win. The high-scoring effort was just what the Rams needed considering they were shut out in their previous match.
Sean Mettler made a splash no matter where he played. He didn't allow a single earned run over four innings pitched. Mettler was also big at the plate, going 3-for-5 with two stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI. That's the most stolen bases he has posted since back in May of 2024.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Evan Poeller, who got on base in four of his five plate appearances with two stolen bases, two runs, and one double. That's the most runs he has posted since back in May of 2024. RJ Townsend also deserves some recognition as he got his first hits of the season.
Royalton-Hartland was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .378. That's the best batting average they've posted all season.
Royalton-Hartland's first victory this season bumped their record up to 1-3. As for Akron, they now have a losing record of 3-4.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Akron has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.9 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Royalton-Hartland struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Akron came up short against Royalton-Hartland when the teams last played back in May of 2024, falling 5-2. Can the Tigers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
