A feisty cat fight will be fought as Millbrook Wildcats challenge Orange Panthers at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Millbrook will be coming into the matchup with an undefeated record on the line.
Millbrook will bounce into Friday's contest after beating Pinecrest, who they had gone 0-7 against in their seven prior meetings. Millbrook walked away with a 13-8 win over Pinecrest on Tuesday. The Wildcats' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Hayden Heath and Liam Clay made a big impact no matter where they played. Throwing, Heath tossed 1.1 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Clay tossed 2.1 innings while giving up no earned runs off three hits. That's the fewest hits Heath has allowed since back in April of 2024. At bat, Heath went 3-for-5 with one triple, two RBI, and one run, while Clay scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-4. That's the most hits Heath has posted since back in March of 2024.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Jack Strom, who scored a run and stole Two bases. while getting on base in four of his five plate appearances. He also put up two RBI, which were his first of the season. Another player making a difference was Gavin Mosler, who scored a run and stole a base while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances.
Millbrook kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. That's the most hits they've managed all season.
Meanwhile, Orange suffered their closest loss since April 23, 2024 on Thursday. They fell just short of Grimsley by a score of 5-3. The Panthers' defeat signaled the end of their three-game winning streak.
Kayden Bradsher made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and scored a run while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances.
Orange's loss dropped their record down to 3-2. As for Millbrook, their record is now 4-0.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Millbrook has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.5 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Orange struggles in that department as they've been averaging 11.4 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Everything went Millbrook's way against Orange when the teams last played back in March of 2024, as Millbrook made off with a 9-3 victory. The rematch might be a little tougher for Millbrook since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
