For the second straight game, Griffith will face off against Illiana Christian. The Panthers will challenge the Vikings at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Griffith has given up an average of 6.9 runs per game this season, but Tuesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Griffith managed to slip by Illiana Christian the last time these teams faced off, but didn't have those same answers this time around. The Panthers came up short against the Vikings on Monday, falling 13-3. That's two games in a row now that the Panthers have lost by exactly ten runs.
For Illiana Christian's part, Caleb Kieft looked comfortable as he pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Kieft has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than one earned run any time he's pitched this season.
On the hitting side, Luke Smith was incredible, getting on base in four of his five plate appearances with three stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI. That's the most stolen bases he has posted since back in April of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Ayden VanKuiken, who got on base in four of his five plate appearances with two runs and one RBI.
Illiana Christian always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .550. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Griffith only posted an OBP of .393.
The victory was the fifth in a row for Illiana Christian, bringing their record up to 10-2. Those wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.2 runs on average over those games. As for Griffith, their defeat was their first in the conference, dropping their conference record down to 3-1 and their overall record down to 7-4.
Tuesday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Griffith has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .471. However, it's not like Illiana Christian struggles in that department as they've averaged .481. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.
