The Spotswood Chargers will take on the Monroe Township Falcons in a tournament on Monday. The timing is sure in Spotswood's favor as the team sits on five straight wins at home while Monroe Township has been banged up by five consecutive losses on the road.
On Saturday, Spotswood didn't have quite enough to beat Allentown and fell 2-1. That's two games in a row now that the Chargers have lost by just one run.
Spotswood got a good showing from Leo Carone, who tossed four innings while giving up just two earned runs off six hits. Carone has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances.
Meanwhile, Monroe Township was able to grind out a solid win over Metuchen on Thursday, taking the game 7-2.
Braeden Hoiberg and Ben Faigin were major factors no matter where they played. On the mound, Hoiberg pitched 5.1 innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off six hits. Meanwhile, Faigin pitched 1.2 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. He also tossed no walks, which is notable because Monroe Township is 2-1 when he allows at most two walks, but 6-9 otherwise. At the plate, Hoiberg went 2-for-3 with two RBI, while Faigin went 2-for-3 with one triple, two RBI, and one run. That's the most hits Faigin has posted since back in April.
In other batting news, Justin Mangano and Ryan Olmo did most of the damage at the plate: Mangano got on base in all three of his plate appearances with two runs, while Olmo went 1-for-2 with two RBI, one run, and one double. Mangano is becoming a predictor of Monroe Township's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is 4-1 (and 4-9 when he doesn't).
Spotswood's loss dropped their record down to 12-8. As for Monroe Township, their victory bumped their record up to 8-10.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Monday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Spotswood has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Monroe Township struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.3 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Spotswood couldn't quite get it done against Monroe Township in their previous meeting back in April of 2021 as they fell 8-3. Will the Chargers 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.
