Cambria Heights and United are an even 3-3 against one another since May of 2019, but likely not for long. The Highlanders will square off against the Lions at 3:00 p.m. on Friday. Cambria Heights' pitching crew has only allowed 4.1 runs per game this season, so United's hitters will have their work cut out for them.
On Thursday, Cambria Heights earned a 6-1 win over Conemaugh Valley. The victory continues a trend for the Highlanders in their matchups with the Blue Jays: they've now won five in a row.
Garrett Jasper
| 05/01/25 @ Conemaugh Valley | 1 |
| 04/25/25 vs Conemaugh Township | 1 |
| 04/17/25 @ Penn Cambria | 1 |
Garrett Jasper made a splash no matter where he played. He tossed 6.2 innings while giving up just one earned run off five hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in three consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two doubles, two RBI, and one run.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Bryce Lewis, who went 2-for-3 with one home run, two runs, and one stolen base. Another player making a difference was Ethan Kline, who went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, one run, and one double.
Meanwhile, United posted their closest win since March 18th on Tuesday. They had just enough and edged out Portage 8-6. The victory was familiar territory for the Lions, who have now won three matchups in a row.
Like Cambria Heights, United also got a great game from a two-way player: Ryan Felix. He looked comfortable on the mound, tossing six innings while giving up just two earned (and four unearned) runs off ten hits. Felix was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBI.
In other pitching news, Ethan Chilenski looked comfortable as he pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. He is becoming a predictor of United's success: when he allows at most one hit the team is 2-1 (and 5-7 when he doesn't).
Felix wasn't the only one making solid contact as five players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Shaydon Oleksa, who went 1-for-3 with one run and one RBI.
Cambria Heights' record is now 9-6. As for United, their record now sits at 7-8.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Friday as neither team is afraid to steal. Cambria Heights has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 2.7 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like United struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 3.8 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Cambria Heights came out on top in a nail-biter against United in their previous matchup back in April, sneaking past 13-12. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Highlanders since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
