The Patrick Henry Patriots will take on the Columbus Grove Bulldogs at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Patrick Henry will come into the game with an undefeated record on the line.
While Patrick Henry didn't have the best season last year (they finished 10-13), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. They were the clear victors by a 14-4 margin over North Baltimore on Thursday. Considering the Patriots have won four matches by more than nine runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.
The team relied heavily on Kasey Nelson, who scored three runs and stole a base while going 3-for-4. Elisiana Wyandt was another key player, scoring two runs while going 2-for-3.
Nelson wasn't the only one making solid contact: Patrick Henry kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 14 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits every time they've taken the field this season.
Meanwhile, after soaring to 19 runs the game before, Columbus Grove was a bit more limited in their contest on Thursday. They came up short against Jefferson, falling 11-1. The loss put an end to the Bulldogs' undefeated start to the season.
Columbus Grove saw two different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Breanna Hoffman, who scored a run while going 1-for-3.
Patrick Henry's win was their fifth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 8-0. Those road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 18.2 runs over those games. As for Columbus Grove, their defeat was their first of the season and makes their record 2-1.
Friday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Patrick Henry hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .450. However, it's not like Columbus Grove struggles in that department as they've averaged .326. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Patrick Henry couldn't quite get it done against Columbus Grove in their previous matchup back in April of 2024 as they fell 10-7. Will the Patriots have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
