Hilltop is 0-10 against Montpelier since April of 2019 but things could change on Thursday. The Cadets will face off against the Locomotives at 5:00 p.m. Hilltop will be looking to extend their current three-game winning streak.
Hilltop proved they can win big on Thursday (they won by 13) and on Tuesday they proved they can win the close ones too. They narrowly escaped with a win as the team sidled past Holgate 7-6. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Cadets have posted since April 3rd.
Devin Dempsey was a major factor no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than one hit in three consecutive appearances. He was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with one triple, one stolen base, and one run. That triple was his first of the season.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Anthony Jiannuzzi, who went 2-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one double. That double marked the first that he has hit this season.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Montpelier). They put the hurt on Gorham Fayette with a sharp 26-2 win on Tuesday. The Locomotives might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won four matchups by six runs or more this season.
Like Hilltop, Montpelier also got a great game from a two-way player: Jaxon Stahler. On the mound, he struck out seven batters over 3.1 innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Stahler was also big at the plate, getting on base in four of his five plate appearances with three runs and three RBI.
In other batting news, Hayden Sharps was incredible, getting on base in three of his five plate appearances with five stolen bases and four runs. Those four runs gave him a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Jacob Lyons, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with three runs, two RBI, and one double.
Montpelier always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .619. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Gorham Fayette only posted an OBP of .261.
Hilltop's record now sits at 6-4. As for Montpelier, their record is now 7-1.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Hilltop has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 9.3 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Montpelier struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 8.8 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
