The Richland Rangers will head out to take on the Pelahatchie Chiefs at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. Richland is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.7 runs per game this season.
On Friday, Richland got the win against Raymond by a conclusive 12-6. Richland hasn't had any issues with Raymond recently, as the game was their ninth consecutive win against them.
Noah Aldridge
| 04/04/25 @ Raymond | 2 |
| 03/28/25 vs McComb | 1 |
| 03/25/25 vs Raymond | 1 |
| 03/21/25 @ Lawrence County | 1 |
| 03/01/25 vs Pisgah | 1 |
Noah Aldridge made a splash no matter where he played. He pitched 3.1 innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off three hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in three consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 2-for-5. The dominant performance also gave him a new career-high in RBI (two).
In other batting news, Bryce Shows was incredible, scoring three runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-5. He has become a key player for Richland: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 1-9 otherwise. Another player making a difference was Dylan Hudson, who scored two runs while going 2-for-3.
Richland kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. That's the most hits they've managed all season.
Meanwhile, Pelahatchie was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their fourth straight loss. They lost 10-0 to St. Andrew's Episcopal.
Richland's record is now 7-9. As for Pelahatchie, their defeat dropped their record down to 6-16.
Richland's speedy runners might be the difference in Saturday's contest. The Rangers have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.2 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Pelahatchie, though, as they've been averaging only 0.9 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Richland continue to outrun the ball?
Richland came out on top in a nail-biter against Pelahatchie when the teams last played back in March, sneaking past 9-8. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Rangers since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
