Eisenhower extended their losing streak to five on Thursday, dropping them down to 5-24-1. They came up short against the Putnam City West Patriots, falling 10-4. Unfortunately, that's the second time they've come up short against the Patriots this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 3-0 back in March.
Colten Anderson was huge no matter where he played even without the win. He looked comfortable on the mound, tossing two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Furthermore, he didn't allow a single earned run, the first time he has blanked an opponent since back in March. He was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with one home run. That home run was his first of the season.
Anderson wasn't the only one making solid contact as three players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Santana Gordon, who went 2-for-4 with one home run, one stolen base, and two RBI.
As for Putnam City West, they are on a roll lately: they've won three of their last four games. That's provided a nice bump to their 13-14 record this season. The result was nothing new for Putnam City West, who have now won nine contests by six runs or more so far this season.
Like Eisenhower, Putnam City West also got a great game from a two-way player: Riley Axtell. He struck out six batters over seven innings while giving up four earned runs off nine hits. That's the most strikeouts Axtell has posted since back in March. He was also stellar in the batter's box, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs, two RBI, and one double. He is becoming a predictor of Putnam City West's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 10-14 when he doesn't).
In other batting news, Aaron De Loera was incredible, going 3-for-4 with four RBI, one run, and one double. That's the most hits he has posted since back in March. The team also got some help courtesy of Malachi Ferguson, who got on base in four of his five plate appearances with two doubles and one RBI.
Looking ahead, Eisenhower will be playing at home against Grant at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. As for Putnam City West, they will square off against Bethany at 5:00 p.m. on Friday.
