Stark County is 0-8 against Mercer County since April of 2017 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Monday. The Stark County Rebels will be playing in front of their home fans against the Mercer County Golden Eagles at 4:30 p.m.
Stark County is is headed into Monday's matchup looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their third straight game on Tuesday. They took a 6-2 hit to the loss column at the hands of Ridgewood [AlWood/Cambridge].
Connor Daum put in work while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over four innings while giving up just two earned (and two unearned) runs off four hits. Daum has been consistent recently: he hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in four consecutive pitching appearances. Daum was also big at the plate, scoring a run and stealing two bases while getting on base in two of his three plate appearances.
In other batting news, Dollon Steelman made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and went 3-for-3 with a stolen base, two RBI, and a double.
Meanwhile, Mercer County has not done well against Monmouth United recently (they were 2-7 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Saturday. Mercer County came out on top in a nail-biter against Monmouth United and snuck past 12-10. The victory was some much needed relief for Mercer County as it spelled an end to their four-game losing streak.
Like Stark County, Mercer County also got a great game from a two-way player: Kale Breeden. On the mound, he pitched 2.2 innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. Breeden was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in four of his five plate appearances with a home run, two runs, and two RBI.
In other batting news, Mercer County got a big performance out of Jacob Kenney, who scored two runs while going 2-for-5. Another player making a difference was Carson Boelens, who scored two runs while going 3-for-5.
Stark County's loss dropped their record down to 9-12. As for Mercer County, their win ended a five-game drought on the road and puts them at 9-11.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Monday as neither team is afraid to steal. Stark County has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.6 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Mercer County struggles in that department as they've been averaging 3. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Stark County suffered a grim 12-3 defeat to Mercer County in their previous meeting back in May of 2021. Can Stark County avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
