The Purnell Swett Rams will face off against the Gray's Creek Bears at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Purnell Swett is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.2 runs per game this season.
Purnell Swett came into their game on Tuesday off a hard-fought close win, but unfortunately suffered a serious change of fortune. They lost 16-3 to Scotland. The Rams' defeat signaled the end of their three-game winning streak.
Purnell Swett saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Joseden Oxendine, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one run and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Gray's Creek's hitters rose to the challenge against a Wildcats pitching crew that boasted an average of only four runs allowed on Tuesday. The Bears were the clear victors by a 13-4 margin over West Johnston. Considering the Bears have won five games by more than five runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
Cooper Long was a major factor no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, tossing three innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off four hits. He is becoming a predictor of Gray's Creek's success: when he allows at most one earned run the team is undefeated (and 6-7 when he doesn't). Long was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with one run, one double, and one RBI.
In other pitching news, Gray's Creek gave Tyler Jasinski the start and clearly made the right call: he tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. What's more, Jasinski posted three strikeouts, the most he's had since back in March of 2025.
Back at the plate, the team relied heavily on KJ Jackson, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs, two doubles, and two RBI. Gray's Creek is undefeated when Jackson posts two or more runs, but 5-7 otherwise. Another player making a difference was Damian Taylor, who got on base in three of his five plate appearances with two stolen bases and two RBI.
Gray's Creek kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. That's a new trend for them: they were averaging 5.5 hits per game earlier this season, but in their last 15 contests they've averaged 10.8.
Gray's Creek has been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 9-7 record this season. The wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.8 runs over those games. As for Purnell Swett, their loss dropped their record down to 8-10.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Purnell Swett has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Gray's Creek struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.2 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Purnell Swett came up short against Gray's Creek when the teams last played back in March of 2025, falling 9-6. Will the Rams have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more baseball content.
