Newcastle and Elgin are an even 5-5 against one another since April of 2016, but likely not for long. The Racers will host the Owls at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Newcastle is coming into the match hot, having won their last eight games.
On Thursday, Newcastle made easy work of Community Christian and carried off a 14-2 victory. The result was nothing new for the Racers, who have now won 12 games by eight runs or more so far this season.
Jackson Schanuel
| 04/24/25 @ Community Christian | 5 |
| 04/11/25 @ Lone Grove | 3 |
| 03/28/25 @ Chickasha | 7 |
Jackson Schanuel was a major factor no matter where he played. He tossed 5.2 innings while giving up just two earned runs off four hits. What's more, he posted five strikeouts, the most he's had since back in March. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with two runs.
In other batting news, Newcastle let Taj Smith and Tyler Frazier run wild. Smith went 3-for-5 with one home run, three runs, and three RBI, while Frazier went 2-for-4 with two runs, two doubles, and one stolen base. That's the most hits Smith has posted since back in March. Kaden Longman was another key player, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs and one RBI.
Elgin's found some homefield redemption this week after a overtime loss to Duncan on Thursday. The Owls never let Carl Albert get on the board and left with a 4-0 win. The victory was some much needed relief for the Owls as it spelled an end to their three-game losing streak.
The result came thanks to Ritson Meyer's shutout, as he gave up just four hits and racked up eight Ks. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in four consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Brody Morrison, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one double. Another player making a difference was Mason Thornton, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with one run and one RBI.
Newcastle's win was their fifth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 22-2. As for Elgin, their victory bumped their record up to 24-6.
Fans could be in store for some top-tier slugging on Friday. Newcastle hasn't had any problems when it comes to power this season, having averaged 0.8 home runs per game. However, it's not like Elgin struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 0.6 home runs. With so much power on both teams, it'll be down to the pitchers to keep the mound locked down.
Newcastle beat Elgin 7-2 when the teams last played back in March. Do the Racers have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Owls turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
