Pocahontas County is 0-10 against Pendleton County since April of 2016 but things could change on Monday. The Warriors will welcome the Wildcat at 5:00 p.m. Both come into the contest bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
On Thursday, Pocahontas County beat Bath County 5-2.
Warren Burns made a big impact no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run while striking out ten over seven innings pitched. Burns was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two RBI and one double. Those two RBI gave him a new career-high.
In other batting news, Gary Warner was excellent, getting on base in two of his three plate appearances with two stolen bases and two runs. Those two stolen bases gave him a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Luke Gainer, who went 1-for-2 with one stolen base, one run, and one double.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Pendleton County). Their pitchers stepped up to hand Tucker County a 19-0 shutout on Friday. The victory was a breath of fresh air for the Wildcat as it put an end to their nine-game losing streak.
Like Pocahontas County, Pendleton County also got a great game from a two-way player: Chase Owens. He didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out eight over four innings pitched. Owens is becoming a predictor of Pendleton County's success: when he allows at most two hits the team is 3-1 (and 4-12 when he doesn't). Owens was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and one double.
In other batting news, Cole Harper and Caleb Armentrout did most of the damage at the plate: Harper went 1-for-2 with five RBI, while Armentrout went 1-for-2 with two stolen bases and three runs. Pendleton County is undefeated when Armentrout posts two or more runs, but 4-13 otherwise. Mason Harper was another key player, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with three RBI and one run.
Pendleton County always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .630. They are 4-1 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Pendleton County's win bumped their record up to 7-13. As for Pocahontas County, their victory (their first of the season) made their record 1-11-1.
Pocahontas County might still be hurting after the 9-1 defeat they got from Pendleton County when the teams last played back in April. Will the Warriors have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other baseball content.
