Riverside and Troy Christian are an even 4-4 against one another since March of 2021, but likely not for long. The Pirates will venture away from home to face off against the Eagles at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Both come into the game bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
On Monday, Riverside sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 4-3 win over Jackson Center. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Pirates.
Gavin Orsborne
| 04/28/25 vs Jackson Center | 2 |
| 04/24/25 vs Northridge | 2 |
| 04/07/25 @ Ansonia | 2 |
| 04/04/25 @ Newton Local | 2 |
| 04/22/25 vs Bethel | 1 |
| + 3 more games |
Gavin Orsborne was excellent, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs, one double, and one RBI. He has become a key player for Riverside: the team is 3-1 when he posts at least two runs, but 4-9 otherwise.
Meanwhile, Troy Christian owes their pitching crew a big pat on the back after their performance on Thursday. They were the clear victors by a 6-0 margin over Milton-Union. Considering the Eagles have won six matchups by more than five runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.
Judah Simmons was a major factor no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only two hits while striking out 12 over six innings pitched. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. He was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with four RBI and one double. Those four RBI gave him a new career-high.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Will Twiss, who went 2-for-3 with two runs, two doubles, and one stolen base. Those two doubles gave him a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Landon Day, who went 2-for-4 with two RBI and one run.
Troy Christian has been performing well recently as they've won five of their last six contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 8-3 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 8.0 runs over those games. As for Riverside, their record now sits at 7-10.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Riverside has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.1 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Troy Christian struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 9.5 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Riverside suffered a grim 17-9 defeat to Troy Christian when the teams last played two weeks ago. Can the Pirates avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
