Akron has played every game this season on their home field, but they'll have to hit the road on Tuesday. They will square off against the Otis Bulldogs at 3:00 p.m. Both teams come into the contest bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
While Akron's victory against Wray wasn't quite the blowout they won the last time the pair played, they still came away the winners. Akron narrowly escaped with a win as the squad sidled past Wray 3-1.
Meanwhile, Otis put another one in the bag on Friday to keep their perfect season alive. They blew past Peetz 20-0. Considering Otis has won three matches by more than 11 runs this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.
Gavin Price was a major factor no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching an inning while giving up no earned runs or hits (he also didn't allow any walks). Price was even better at the plate, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while going 2-for-2.
In other pitching news, JJ Ward looked comfortable as he pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (he also didn't allow any walks).
Back at the plate, the team relied heavily on Tayte Smith, who scored four runs and stole three bases while getting on base in all five of his plate appearances. Smith is crushing it when it comes to stolen bases: he's stolen at least one every time he's taken the field this season. Erick Thorn was another key contributor, scoring three runs and stealing two bases while getting on base in four of his five plate appearances.
Akron pushed their record up to 4-0 with that victory, which was their sixth straight at home dating back to last season. Those good results were due in large part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 8.0 runs per game. As for Otis, their win bumped their record up to 4-0.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both teams have some strikeout artists on the roster. Akron has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 10.5 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Otis struggles in that department as they've been averaging 9 per game. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Akron came up short against Otis in their previous matchup back in April of 2018, falling 14-9. Can Akron avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
