The Minisink Valley Warriors are taking a road trip to face off against the Valley Central Vikings at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. Minisink Valley is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.2 runs per game this season.
Minisink Valley took a loss when they played away from home on Monday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Wednesday. They came out on top against Cornwall Central by a score of 6-2.
Christopher McCauley
| 04/30/25 vs Cornwall Central | 2 |
| 04/17/25 vs Chester | 2 |
| 04/09/25 vs Washingtonville | 2 |
| 04/25/25 vs Monticello | 1 |
| 04/16/25 @ Beacon | 1 |
| + 1 more games |
Christopher McCauley was a major factor no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out nine batters over six innings while giving up just two earned runs off six hits. McCauley was also stellar in the batter's box, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two stolen bases, two runs, and two doubles. He is becoming a predictor of Minisink Valley's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is 2-1 (and 2-5 when he doesn't).
McCauley wasn't the only one making solid contact as four players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Nik Marrero, who went 1-for-3 with one run and one double.
Meanwhile, Valley Central was not able to break out of their rough patch on Wednesday as the team picked up their third straight defeat. They were a single run away from ending the streak, but they lost an 11-10 heartbreaker at the hands of Warwick. Even if the Vikings couldn't come away with the victory, the high-scoring effort was a great turnaround for their hitters, which had struggled int the games prior.
Kellen Pliler and Justin Freeman did some serious damage despite the final result: Pliler got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base, while Freeman went 2-for-5 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. That stolen base was Pliler's first of the season. Another player making a difference was Caleb Swart, who went 2-for-4 with one run and one RBI.
Valley Central's loss dropped their record down to 4-6. As for Minisink Valley, their record is now an identical 4-6.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Saturday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Minisink Valley has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.5 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Valley Central struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 8.9 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Minisink Valley came out on top in a nail-biter against Valley Central in their previous matchup back in April, sneaking past 4-3. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Warriors since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
