The Heritage Mountaineers will square off against the Loudon Redskins at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. Heritage is coming into the match hot, having won their last four games.
On Wednesday, Heritage got the win against South-Doyle by a conclusive 12-2. The Mountaineers might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won 16 contests by six runs or more this season.
Derek Hodge looked comfortable as he tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been consistent for a while: he hasn't given up more than two walks any time he's pitched this season.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Gavin Hughes, who got on base in four of his five plate appearances with two stolen bases, three RBI, and one run. That's the most RBI he has posted since back in March. Evan Webb was another key player, going 3-for-4 with two runs and two RBI.
Meanwhile, Loudon got themselves on the board against Lenoir City on Friday, but Lenoir City never followed suit. They had just enough and edged out the Panthers 2-0. The home team had taken home the W every time these teams have met since April 26, 2024, but that streak is no more.
The result came thanks to Boston Montooth's shutout, as he gave up just four hits and racked up 11 Ks. He also tossed no walks, which is notable because Loudon is 2-1 when he allows at most one walk, but 11-15 otherwise.
On the hitting side, Eli Kelso was excellent, going 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, one run, and one double. He is becoming a predictor of Loudon's success: when he posts at least two stolen bases the team is 5-1 (and 8-15 when he doesn't).
Heritage pushed their record up to 21-10 with the victory, which was their third straight at home. The home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.3 runs on average over those games. As for Loudon, their victory bumped their record up to 13-16.
Everything went Heritage's way against Loudon when the teams last played last Tuesday, as Heritage made off with a 10-0 win. Do the Mountaineers have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Redskins turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
