Mason County Central hasn't had much luck against Montague recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Spartans will hit the road for the first time this season to challenge the Wildcats at 4:00 p.m. Mason County Central is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.7 runs per game this season.
While Mason County Central didn't have the best season last year (they finished 12-15), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. They were the clear victors by an 11-1 margin over Holton on Friday. The win continues a trend for the Spartans in their matchups with the Red Devils: they've now won seven in a row.
The team relied heavily on Pierce Bladzik, who went 2-for-3 with four RBI, two runs, and one double. Gideon Sales also deserves some recognition as he snagged his first stolen base of the season.
Mason County Central was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .444. That's the best batting average they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Montague entered their match against Calvin Christian on Saturday without any home losses, but there's a first time for everything. The Wildcats came up short against the Squires, falling 18-10. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest loss the Wildcats have suffered since March 21st.
Eli Petersen was cooking despite his team's loss, going 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Jack Degan, who went 2-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double.
Mason County Central's victory bumped their record up to 7-3. As for Montague, their defeat dropped their record down to 8-5-1.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Monday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Mason County Central has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Montague struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.6 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Mason County Central might still be hurting after the 17-5 loss they got from Montague in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Can the Spartans avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
