Valmeyer is 3-0 against Sparta since March of 2018, and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Thursday. The Valmeyer Pirates will head out on the road to challenge the Sparta Bulldogs at 4:30 p.m. Valmeyer is strutting in with some hitting muscle, as they've averaged 8.3 runs per game this season.
In what's become a running theme this season, Valmeyer gave their fans yet another huge win on Tuesday. They were the clear victor by an 8-2 margin over New Athens.
Luke Blackwell made a splash no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out nine batters over five innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off three hits. Blackwell has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in four consecutive pitching appearances. Blackwell was also big at the plate, scoring three runs and stealing a base while going 4-for-4.
In other batting news, Valmeyer let Landon Roy and Chase Snyder loose on the outfield. Roy scored two runs and stole two bases while going 3-for-4, while Snyder scored two runs and stole a base while going 1-for-4. Roy is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as he's now stolen at least one in the last five games he's played.
Meanwhile, Sparta fell victim to Red Bud and their airtight pitching crew on Wednesday. They fell just short of the Musketeers by a score of 1-0. Sparta just can't catch a break and has now endured six defeats in a row.
Zach Bodeker spent all 7.2 innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered only one earned run on four hits.
Valmeyer is on a roll lately: they've won nine of their last 12 matches, which provided a nice bump to their 11-5 record this season. As for Sparta, their loss dropped their record down to 8-8.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Thursday as neither team is afraid to steal. Valmeyer has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.7 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Sparta struggles in that department as they've been averaging 4.4. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Valmeyer skirted past Sparta 8-7 in their previous matchup back in April of 2023. The rematch might be a little tougher for Valmeyer since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
