The Jefferson Jeff Saint will head out on the road to challenge the Gateway Olympians at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. Jefferson comes in still looking for their first win of the season.
Saturday just wasn't the day for Jefferson's offense. They lost 17-0 to Adams City two weeks ago.
Meanwhile, Gateway got the win against Adams City on Thursday by a conclusive 16-2. The result was nothing new for the Olympians, who have now won three matchups by 14 runs or more so far this season.
Anthony Rubio was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he tossed 3.2 innings while giving up just two earned runs off three hits. Rubio was even better at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. He is becoming a predictor of Gateway's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 1-3 when he doesn't).
In other pitching news, Nolan Vazquez looked comfortable as he tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up a single earned run in three consecutive appearances.
Back at the plate, Gateway got a massive performance out of Colt Wenzel, who went 3-for-4 with three runs, one triple, and one double. That double was Wenzel's first of the season. Another player making a difference was Roberto Rosario, who went 2-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.
Gateway hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Adams City struck out seven times.
Gateway is on a roll lately: they've won three of their last four contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 4-3 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.0 runs on average over those games. As for Jefferson, their loss dropped their record down to 0-6.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Saturday as neither team is afraid to steal. Jefferson has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 5.8 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Gateway struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 3.1 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Jefferson might still be hurting after the 16-2 defeat they got from Gateway in their previous meeting back in April of 2024. Can the Jeff Saint avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
