Granville Christian Academy will look to defend their home field on Thursday against the Liberty Christian Academy Eagles at 5:30 p.m. Both teams come into the matchup bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Granville Christian Academy gave up the first runs on Tuesday, but they didn't let that get them down. They came out on top against Delaware Christian by a score of 6-3. The win made it back-to-back victories for Granville Christian Academy.
Bentley Johnson was a major factor no matter where he played. On the mound, he struck out eight batters over six innings while giving up three earned runs off three hits. Johnson has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in six consecutive pitching appearances. Johnson was also big at the plate, scoring a run and stealing two bases while going 2-for-4.
In other batting news, Aidan Rhoads was excellent, scoring a run while going 3-for-4. Noah Tice was another key contributor, scoring a run and stealing three bases while going 1-for-3.
Meanwhile, Liberty Christian Academy had to endure a three-game losing streak, but that streak is no more. They blew past Tree of Life Christian 17-7.
Like Granville Christian Academy, Liberty Christian Academy also got a great game from a two-way player: James Rainier. He pitched 5.1 innings while giving up three earned (and two unearned) runs off five hits. Rainier was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in four of his five plate appearances with two stolen bases, two runs, and a triple.
In other batting news, Liberty Christian Academy let Caleb Windle and Evan Dupler loose on the outfield. Windle scored four runs and stole three bases while going 3-for-4, while Dupler scored three runs and stole two bases while getting on base in all five of his plate appearances. Windle is trending in the right direction, as he's improved his point production for three straight games. Another player making a difference was Dawson Kamppi, who scored a run and stole two bases while going 2-for-4.
Granville Christian Academy's win bumped their record up to 6-3. As for Liberty Christian Academy, their victory ended a six-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 4-6.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Granville Christian Academy has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 9.3 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Liberty Christian Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8.3. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Granville Christian Academy came up short against Liberty Christian Academy when the teams last played back in April of 2023, falling 6-2. Can Granville Christian Academy avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
