Halifax is on a three-game streak of home wins, while Susquenita is on a three-game streak of away wins: one of those streaks is about to end. The Wildcats will host the Blackhawks at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Halifax came out on top against Saint Joseph's Catholic Academy on Wednesday thanks in part to the team's impressive six-run third inning. The Wildcats put the hurt on the WolfPack with a sharp 11-1 victory. The Wildcats haven't had any issues with the WolfPack recently, as the game was their seventh consecutive win against them.
Halifax let Brandon Schell and Will Steinhauer run wild. Schell got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI, while Steinhauer got on base in three of his four plate appearances with three stolen bases and two runs. That's the most RBI Schell has posted since back in April.
Meanwhile, Susquenita got themselves on the board against Saint Joseph's Catholic Academy on Friday, but Saint Joseph's Catholic Academy never followed suit. They blew past the WolfPack 18-0.
Ryan Schoppy was a major factor no matter where he played. On the mound, he didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out ten over five innings pitched. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than one hit in three consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, firing off two home runs, four runs, and four RBI while getting on base in all five of his plate appearances. Those home runs were his first of the season.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Billy Syster, who went 3-for-5 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI. That home run was his first of the season. Justin Reidlinger was another key player, going 1-for-3 with three runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.
Susquenita was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .419. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their batting average total in four consecutive matches.
Susquenita has been performing well recently as they've won five of their last six games. That's provided a nice bump to their 12-4 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.8 runs over those games. As for Halifax, their win bumped their record up to 16-2.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Thursday as neither team is afraid to steal. Halifax has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 6.7 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Susquenita struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 5.2 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Halifax skirted past Susquenita 1-0 in their previous matchup back in April. Do the Wildcats have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Blackhawks turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
