Urban hasn't had much luck against University recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Blues will venture away from home to take on the Red Devils at 4:00 p.m. Urban has given up an average of 7.4 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Urban is coming in off a wild two-game stretch: after soaring to 21 runs on Friday, they were much more limited against University on Tuesday. They came up short against the Red Devils, falling 12-0. Give some credit to the fans of both teams: the last four times they've met, the home team has come away the winner.
For University's part, Marco Parcella made a splash no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, tossing one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Parcella has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than two hits in seven consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with three RBI and two runs. That's the most RBI he has posted since back in March.
In other pitching news, Rohan Hartigan looked comfortable as he didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits over four innings pitched. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two hits in four consecutive appearances.
Back at the plate, the team relied heavily on Mattie Grisso, who went 2-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Quincy Nash, who went 1-for-2 with one run, one double, and one RBI.
University was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .435. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .304 or higher in 14 consecutive games.
University's win was their tenth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 18-1. The home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.3 runs over those games. As for Urban, their loss dropped their record down to 7-7.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Friday as neither team is afraid to steal. Urban has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 5.9 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like University struggles in that department as they've been averaging 2.9 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.
