Paint Branch hasn't had much luck against Sherwood recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Panthers will look to defend their home field against the Warriors at 3:45 p.m. Paint Branch is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 10.2 runs per game this season.
Paint Branch proved they can win big on Monday (they won by ten) and on Wednesday they proved they can win the close ones too. They came out on top in a nail-biter against Gaithersburg, sneaking past 5-3. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Panthers have posted since April 26, 2025.
Mason Grayer
| 04/09/26 vs Seneca Valley | 5 |
| 04/13/26 vs Springbrook | 4 |
| 03/23/26 @ Watkins Mill | 3 |
| 04/15/26 @ Gaithersburg | 2 |
| 04/07/26 @ Kennedy | 2 |
| + 1 more games |
Paint Branch let Nolin Cockerham and Mason Grayer run wild. Cockerham got on base in three of his four plate appearances with three stolen bases, while Grayer went 1-for-3 with two stolen bases and two runs. Paint Branch is undefeated when Grayer posts two or more runs, but 0-5 otherwise.
Meanwhile, Sherwood entered their tilt with Blake on Wednesday with four consecutive wins but they'll enter their next game with five. They put the hurt on the Bengals with a sharp 17-2 victory. That's two games straight that the Warriors have won by exactly 15 runs.
Carter Sweeney-Strawberry was incredible, getting on base in four of his five plate appearances with three runs, one stolen base, and one double. What's more, he posted two hits, the most he's had since back in March.
Sherwood 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 ten hits in three consecutive matchups.
Sherwood's win bumped their record up to 13-3. As for Paint Branch, the victory got them back to even at 5-5.
Friday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Paint Branch hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .333. However, it's not like Sherwood 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.
Paint Branch suffered a grim 34-1 defeat to Sherwood in their previous meeting back in March of 2025. Can the Panthers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
