Fall River hasn't had much luck against Green Lake/Princeton recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Pirates will head out to square off against the Tigersharks at 5:00 p.m. Each of these teams will be fighting to keep a win streak alive as Fall River comes in on six and Green Lake/Princeton on four.
Fall River had to skate by with only a one-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the six-run drubbing they dealt Cambria-Friesland on Thursday. The Pirates blew past the Hilltoppers 10-4. The Pirates might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won six matchups by six runs or more this season.
Connor Veith made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he tossed seven innings while giving up just two earned (and two unearned) runs off seven hits. Veith was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with one run and one RBI.
In other batting news, Fall River got a massive performance out of Ben Bolman, who got on base in all four of his plate appearances with three RBI and one run. What's more, Bolman posted two hits, the most he's had since back in April. Ethan Stai was another key player, going 2-for-5 with two runs, one triple, and one double.
Fall River kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits in three consecutive games.
Meanwhile, Green Lake/Princeton made easy work of Montello on Thursday and carried off a 13-2 victory. The Tigersharks might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won five contests by seven runs or more this season.
Like Fall River, Green Lake/Princeton also got a great game from a two-way player: Kyle Bond. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over five innings while giving up just two earned runs off four hits (and not a single walk). Bond has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than one walk in three consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run.
In other batting news, Drake Westfield was incredible, getting on base in all three of his plate appearances with three runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. He is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as he's now snagged at least one in each of the last three games he's played. Jamison Luepke also deserves some recognition as he hit his first double of the season.
Green Lake/Princeton's win was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 8-6. Those home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.3 runs on average over those games. As for Fall River, their record is now 11-3.
Monday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Fall River has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .477. However, it's not like Green Lake/Princeton struggles in that department as they've averaged .434. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Fall River suffered a grim 17-8 defeat to Green Lake/Princeton in their previous matchup back in April of 2019. Can the Pirates avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
