Baseball Recap: Althoff Catholic Finds Home Field Redemption Against Maryville Christian

Crusaders

Margin (Wins)

04/22/25 @ Maryville Christian	17
03/18/25 vs East St. Louis	15
03/22/25 vs First Assembly Christian	13
04/24/25 vs Maryville Christian	12
03/29/25 @ Westminster Christian	10

There's no place like home for Althoff Catholic, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Wednesday. They were the clear victors by a 13-1 margin over the Maryville Christian Lions on Thursday. The result was nothing new for the Crusaders, who have now won seven games by ten runs or more so far this season.

Josh McPherson and Patton Leib dominated on the mound. McPherson tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits, while Leib tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. McPherson has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in ten consecutive appearances.

At the plate, Walter Minton was a standout: he went 2-for-3 with three runs, three RBI, and one stolen base. Those three runs gave him a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Bo Gomric, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs, one triple, and two RBI.

Althoff Catholic was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .500. That's the best batting average they've posted all season.

Althoff Catholic has been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 13-10 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.5 runs over those games. As for Maryville Christian, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost seven of their last eight contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 2-9 record this season.

Althoff Catholic will welcome Belleville West at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. As for Maryville Christian, they will head out to square off against East Alton-Wood River at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. The Oilers have struggled to contain batters this season (they've allowed 10.55 runs per game on average), something the Lions will no doubt try to take advantage of.