Brookfield and Masuk are an even 5-5 against one another since May of 2015, but likely not for long. The Bobcats will face off against the Panthers at 4:15 p.m. on Monday. Brookfield is currently enjoying a perfect season and no doubt wants to keep things rolling.
Brookfield came out on top against Xavier on Saturday thanks in part to the team's impressive five-run first inning. The Bobcats were the clear victors by a 10-3 margin over the Falcons. The Bobcats' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Matt McDowell made a big impact no matter where he played. He didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out seven over five innings pitched. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two hits in four consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-5 with two runs and one stolen base.
Connor Jordan
| 04/19/25 @ Xavier | 3 |
| 04/10/25 vs Holy Cross | 2 |
| 04/16/25 @ New Fairfield | 1 |
| 04/11/25 @ Shepaug Valley | 1 |
| 05/29/24 vs Torrington | 1 |
In other batting news, Connor Jordan was incredible, going 1-for-3 with three RBI, two runs, and one triple. Those three RBI gave him a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Jack Ponte, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with four stolen bases and one run.
Meanwhile, Masuk was able to grind out a solid victory over Southington on Saturday, taking the game 9-5. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Panthers.
Justin Fanning looked comfortable as he tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. He is becoming a predictor of Masuk's success: when he allows at most three earned runs the team is 2-1 (and 1-2 when he doesn't).
On the hitting side, Masuk let Jersen Perez and Jackson Zylick run wild. Perez went 2-for-4 with three RBI and one run, while Zylick went 3-for-4 with two runs and one RBI. Those RBI were Perez's first of the season. Ryan Cubelli was another key player, going 2-for-4 with two RBI, one run, and one double.
Masuk was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .379. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Southington only posted a batting average of .241.
Brookfield's win was their third straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 5-0. The road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.3 runs over those games. As for Masuk, the win got them back to even at 3-3.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Monday as neither team is afraid to steal. Brookfield has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.6 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Masuk struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 3 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Brookfield beat Masuk 4-0 in their previous meeting back in April of 2024. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Bobcats since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
