The Northeastern Bobcats will challenge the Manheim Township Blue Streaks at 4:15 p.m. on Monday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Northeastern had to skate by with only a two-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the ten-run drubbing they dealt Central Dauphin East on Thursday. The Bobcats put the hurt on the Panthers with a sharp 12-2 win. That ten run margin sets a new team best for the Bobcats this season.
Ryley Nade-Bishop was a major factor no matter where he played. On the mound, he pitched five innings while giving up just two earned runs off three hits. Nade-Bishop was also big at the plate, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with two RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Zack Ball, who got on base in four of his five plate appearances with three runs, three RBI, and one double. That double marked the first that he has hit this season. Another player making a difference was Tristan Eckenrode, who went 2-for-4 with three RBI, one run, and one double.
Northeastern hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. The team has now struck out at least five batters in seven consecutive contests.
Meanwhile, Manheim Township had already won two in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 3.5 runs) and they went ahead and made it three on Wednesday. They blew past the Falcons 11-1. With that victory, the Blue Streaks brought their scoring average up to 6.3 runs per game.
Like Northeastern, Manheim Township also got a great game from a two-way player: Braden Leed. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only two hits while striking out six over five innings pitched. Leed has been consistent: he hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in five consecutive appearances. He was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in all three of his plate appearances with two runs, one triple, and one RBI.
In other batting news, Angelo Billiard was excellent, going 1-for-2 with two runs, one double, and one RBI. Alex Derderian was another key player, getting on base in two of his three plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base.
Northeastern's win was their fourth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 5-5. Those road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.3 runs over those games. As for Manheim Township, their win bumped their record up to 8-4.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Monday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Northeastern has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Manheim Township struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 7.3 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
