The Kendrick Tigers will head out to take on the Clearwater Valley Rams at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
For some reason, the away team has come away with the win the last four times Kendrick and Lapwai have met, but the home crowd finally got their W on Friday. The Tigers were the clear victors by a 17-1 margin over the Wildcats.
William Howard was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he tossed three innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits. He has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than two hits in six consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, getting on base in both of his plate appearances with two runs and one RBI.
In other batting news, Nate Kimberling was incredible, going 1-for-2 with two stolen bases, three runs, and two RBI. That's the most stolen bases he has posted since April 1st. Another player making a difference was Xavier Carpenter, who went 1-for-3 with four RBI and two runs.
Kendrick always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .708. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
For some reason, the away team has come away with the win the last four times Clearwater Valley and Genesee have met, but the home crowd finally got their W on Saturday. The Rams blew past the Bulldogs 19-1. The Rams have beaten the Bulldogs the last seven times they've met, but they better watch out: this was the closest the Bulldogs has come to flipping the script.
Like Kendrick, Clearwater Valley also got a great game from a two-way player: Josh Gardner. He tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Gardner was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in two of his three plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. Clearwater Valley is undefeated when Gardner posts two or more runs, but 7-9 otherwise.
In other batting news, Tiago Pickering was a standout: he got on base in all four of his plate appearances with four stolen bases and three runs. He is becoming a predictor of Clearwater Valley's success: when he posts at least two stolen bases the team is 8-1 (and 4-8 when he doesn't). Barak Meyer was another key player, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.
Kendrick's record is now 16-2. As for Clearwater Valley, their record now sits at 12-9.
Monday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Kendrick has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .468. However, it's not like Clearwater Valley struggles in that department as they've averaged .487. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Kendrick took their win against Clearwater Valley when the teams last played on April 8th by a conclusive 12-1 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Tigers since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
