The Mount Vernon Tigers will take on the Van Vandals in a tournament on Friday. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.
As a matter of fact, Mount Vernon put up the most runs they have all season on Thursday. They blew past Farmersville 10-3. The team's explosion at the plate also rewarded the Tigers with their most commanding win of the season.
Mount Vernon let Ryder Bowers and Pierson Clayton run wild. Bowers went 2-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI, while Clayton got on base in two of his four plate appearances with three stolen bases and three runs. That's the most runs Clayton has posted since back in April of 2025. CJ Clayton also deserves some recognition as he hit his first double of the season.
Meanwhile, Van had to endure a seven-game losing streak, but that streak is no more. Everything went their way against Wills Point on Thursday as they made off with a 12-2 win. The Vandals not only won on Thursday, but they posted their biggest win since February 19th (when they won 15-2).
Nathan Vance looked comfortable as he tossed four innings while giving up just two earned runs off four hits.
At the plate, Rawly Hinch was a standout: he got on base in three of his four plate appearances with four stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI. He has become a key player for Van: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 0-8-1 otherwise. The team also got some help courtesy of Wyatt Suggs, who got on base in two of his three plate appearances with three stolen bases and two runs.
Van always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .621. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Mount Vernon now has a winning record of 6-5-1. As for Van, their record is now 5-8-1.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Friday as neither team is afraid to steal. Mount Vernon has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.3 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Van struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 3.1 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
