Palmyra has won five straight games at home, while Manheim Central has won five straight on the road, but those streaks won't matter much on Friday. The Cougars will host the Barons at 4:15 p.m. The two teams each escaped (but just barely!) with wins against their previous opponents.
While Palmyra's victory against Hershey wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. The Cougars had just enough and edged out the Trojans 4-3 on Wednesday. Those four runs were actually the fewest the Cougars have put up all season, but given the result they're probably not too concerned.
Aiden Willard was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than two hits in seven consecutive appearances. He was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base. That triple was his first of the season.
In other pitching news, Logan Kriner tossed a big game, pitching five innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off five hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances.
Julian Meley
| 04/15/26 vs Hershey | 3 |
| 04/01/26 @ Lower Dauphin | 2 |
| 03/30/26 @ Carlisle | 2 |
| 06/02/25 @ Pittston | 2 |
| 05/23/25 vs Conestoga Valley | 2 |
Back at the plate, the team relied heavily on Julian Meley, who went 3-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double. Those three hits gave him a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Ezra Good, who went 2-for-3 with one triple, one stolen base, and one RBI.
Palmyra always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .515. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Hershey only posted an OBP of .276.
Meanwhile, it was close, but on Wednesday Manheim Central sidestepped Donegal for a 2-1 win.
Tanner Travitz spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered only one earned run on seven hits.
Palmyra's victory bumped their record up to 12-0. As for Manheim Central, their win bumped their record up to 9-3.
Manheim Central's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Palmyra hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .341. It's a different story for Manheim Central, though, as they've only averaged .234. Will they be able to contain Palmyra's hitters?
Palmyra got the 'W' in their previous meeting back in April of 2025 against Manheim Central by a conclusive 13-3 score. Will the Cougars repeat their success, or do the Barons have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
