McConnellsburg and James Buchanan are an even 4-4 against one another since April of 2015, but likely not for long. The Spartans will look to defend their home field on Friday against the Rockets at 6:00 p.m. Keep an eye on the score for this one: the two teams posted some lofty run totals in their previous games.
On Tuesday, McConnellsburg got the win against Rockwood by a conclusive 11-1. The result was nothing new for the Spartans, who have now won four games by ten runs or more so far this season.
Kohen Hall
| 04/22/25 vs Rockwood | 3 |
| 04/11/25 vs Claysburg-Kimmel | 2 |
| 04/09/25 vs Everett | 1 |
| 03/28/25 @ Grace Academy | 1 |
| 03/25/25 @ North Star | 1 |
Kohen Hall was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out eight batters over five innings while giving up just one earned run off one hit. He has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in six consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with three RBI and one run. Those three RBI gave him a new career-high.
In other batting news, Hoyt Glenn was a standout: he got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. He is becoming a predictor of McConnellsburg's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 1-4 when he doesn't). Reese Alexander was another key player, going 2-for-3 with three RBI, one run, and one double.
McConnellsburg always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .567. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, James Buchanan fought the good fight in their extra-innings matchup against West Perry on Wednesday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell just short of the Mustangs by a score of 14-13. Even though they lost, the Rockets' still made a splash at the plate and bumped their average scoring up to 6.2 runs per game (they're now ranked -1th in scoring overall).
Jake Miller and Bryson Bennett did some serious damage despite the final result: Miller went 2-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI, while Bennett went 1-for-3 with one triple, two RBI, and one run. Another player making a difference was Hayden Sanchez, who went 2-for-5 with one stolen base and two RBI.
McConnellsburg's win was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 7-4. Those home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.0 run on average over those games. As for James Buchanan, they moved to 8-5-1 with that loss, which also ended their three-game winning streak.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. McConnellsburg has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.5 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like James Buchanan struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8.7 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
McConnellsburg couldn't quite get it done against James Buchanan when the teams last played back in April of 2024 as they fell 9-6. Will the Spartans have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
