The Clinton Gaels will take on the Quabbin Regional Panthers at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. Clinton's pitching crew has only allowed 2.8 runs per game this season, so Quabbin Regional's hitters will have their work cut out for them.
On Wednesday, Clinton needed a bit of extra time to put away Littleton. They blew past the Tigers 9-3. The Gaels might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won three matches by six runs or more this season.
Jake Notaro and Brian Silvester made a big impact no matter where they played. Throwing, Notaro struck out six batters over five innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off seven hits (and only one walk). Meanwhile, Silvester didn't allow a single earned run while striking out 12 over five innings pitched. At bat, Notaro scored two runs while getting on base in four of his five plate appearances, while Silvester scored a run and stole a base while going 1-for-5.
In other batting news, Liam Nelligan was excellent, going 2-for-5 with three RBI and two doubles. Another player making a difference was Ethan Frisch, who scored two runs and stole two bases while getting on base in three of his five plate appearances.
Meanwhile, it was a proper cat-fight when Quabbin Regional faced off against Gardner on Thursday. The Panthers came out on top against the Wildcats by a score of 5-2.
Finn Leander spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered just two earned runs on seven hits and racked up six Ks.
On the hitting side, Quabbin Regional's victory was truly a team effort as four different players contributed at least one hit. One of them was Sam Morgan, who scored a run while going 2-for-3. That's the most hits Morgan has posted since back in May of 2024.
The win got Quabbin Regional back to even at 2-2. As for Clinton, their victory bumped their record up to 3-1.
Clinton's speedy runners might be the difference in Friday's contest. The Gaels have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.8 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Quabbin Regional, though, as they've been averaging only 1 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Clinton continue to outrun the ball?
Clinton beat Quabbin Regional 9-4 in their previous matchup back in May of 2024. Will the Gaels repeat their success, or do the Panthers have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
