The Hamilton Braves will take on the Etna Lions at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Hamilton is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.9 runs per game this season.
Hamilton is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Friday. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 7-5 victory over Weed. Seven seems to be a good number for the Braves as the squad scooped up a win with the same number of runs in their previous game.
Daniel Leal made a splash no matter where he played. On the mound, he struck out six batters over 3.2 innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off four hits (and only one walk). Leal was also solid in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double.
In other batting news, Kayden Strong was excellent, going 1-for-3 with two stolen bases, two RBI, and one run. Another player making a difference was Chase Rodgers, who went 1-for-3 with two RBI and one double.
The home team had won the previous two meetings between Etna and Trinity, and Etna kept the tradition alive. The Lions were the clear victors by an 18-0 margin over the Wolves on Friday. The result was nothing new for the Lions, who have now won 12 contests by six runs or more so far this season.
Like Hamilton, Etna also got a great game from a two-way player: Kyle Fowle. He looked comfortable on the mound, keeping things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out seven over five innings pitched. Fowle was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with one home run, four RBI, and one double.
In other batting news, Emmitt Griggs was a standout: he went 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, three runs, and three RBI. That's the most stolen bases he has posted since back in April. Clayton Harris was another key player, going 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, three runs, and two RBI.
Etna hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team has now struck out at least four batters in eight consecutive matches.
Etna pushed their record up to 16-7 with the victory, which was their 16th straight at home dating back to last season. The home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.0 run on average over those games. As for Hamilton, the victory made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 18-9.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Hamilton has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.9 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Etna struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8.8 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Hamilton took their win against Etna in their previous matchup back in March by a conclusive 15-7 score. Do the Braves have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Lions turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
