The Port Byron Panthers will head out to challenge the Weedsport Wolverines at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Port Byron is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.2 runs per game this season.
While Port Byron's victory against Cato-Meridian wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. The Panthers narrowly escaped with a win as the team sidled past the Blue Devils 4-2. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Panthers have posted since May 16, 2024.
Connor Usowski
| 04/22/25 vs Pulaski | 21 |
| 04/01/25 @ Cato-Meridian | 15 |
| 04/30/25 vs Cato-Meridian | 14 |
| 04/15/25 vs Jordan-Elbridge | 11 |
| 04/05/25 @ Brookfield Central | 8 |
| + 1 more games |
Connor Usowski spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered two runs (both of which were unearned) on three hits and racked up 14 Ks. Port Byron is undefeated when Usowski posts ten or more strikeouts, but 1-3 otherwise.
At the plate, Matt Howell was excellent, going 2-for-3 with two runs and one stolen base. Nick Harwood also deserves some recognition as he got his first hit of the season.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Weedsport). They blew past Pulaski 22-3 on Wednesday. Perhaps unsurprisingly given the team's high-flying offense, the game also marked the team's biggest win of the season.
Alex Seward and Brandon Thomas made a splash no matter where they played. Throwing, Seward pitched three innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits. Meanwhile, Thomas struck out six batters over four innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off four hits. Seward has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. At the plate, Seward got on base in four of his six plate appearances with three runs, one stolen base, and two RBI, while Thomas went 2-for-5 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run.
In other batting news, Weedsport got a massive performance out of Nico Giacolone, who went 2-for-5 with seven RBI, three runs, and one triple. Giacolone is also on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as he's now snagged at least one in each of the last three games he's played. Patrick Whitman was another key player, going 4-for-6 with five runs, two stolen bases, and three RBI.
Weedsport always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .519. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
The victory was the third in a row for Weedsport, bringing their record up to 4-3. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 13.0 runs over those games. As for Port Byron, the victory made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 5-3.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Port Byron has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 11.2 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Weedsport struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8.6 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Port Byron came out on top in a nail-biter against Weedsport when the teams last played back in May of 2024, sneaking past 4-2. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Panthers since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
