Baseball Game Preview: James Buchanan Rockets vs. Northern York Polar Bears

For the first time this season, James Buchanan will have a chance to prove themselves in a conference matchup on Monday. They are taking a road trip to square off against the Northern York Polar Bears at 4:15 p.m. Both come into the game bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

James Buchanan had to skate by with only a two-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the eight-run drubbing they dealt Littlestown on Wednesday. James Buchanan was the clear victors by an 11-3 margin over Littlestown.

Bryson Bennett

Runs Batted In (Career)

03/19/25 vs Littlestown	3
05/01/24 vs Big Spring	2
05/14/24 vs West Perry	1
04/29/24 @ Shippensburg	1
04/10/24 @ Boiling Springs	1

Bryson Bennett was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three RBI, two runs, and one triple. The dominant performance gave him a new career-high in RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Jimmy Bell, who went 1-for-3 with one triple, one run, and one RBI.

James Buchanan always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .528. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Littlestown only posted an OBP of .276.

Meanwhile, Northern York had to travel to play their first game of the season, but the final result was worth the trip. They narrowly escaped with a victory as the squad sidled past Spring Grove 5-4. The win was a breath of fresh air for the Polar Bears as it put an end to their three-game losing streak dating back to last season.

Collin McDonald made a splash while hitting and pitching. He pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. That's the fewest hits he has allowed since back in April of 2024. He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run and stealing Two bases. while going 1-for-3.

McDonald wasn't the only one making solid contact as five players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Owen Mains, who scored a run while going 2-for-2. Another was Jacob Yost, who scored two runs while going 1-for-2.

James Buchanan was able to grind out a solid victory over Northern York when the teams last played back in April of 2024, winning 6-3. Will James Buchanan repeat their success, or does Northern York have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.