The Cleveland Central Catholic Ironmen will take on the Euclid Panthers at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Cleveland Central Catholic has given up an average of 14.4 runs per game this season, but Wednesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Cleveland Central Catholic managed to slip by Brooklyn the last time these teams faced off, but didn't have those same answers this time around. The Ironmen lost 21-2 to the Hurricanes on Monday. Having soared to a lofty 12 runs in the game before, the Ironmen couldn't push the score so high this time.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Euclid, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Wednesday. They had just enough and edged out Glenville 14-12. The high-scoring performance was a welcome turnaround for the Panthers' hitters, who had struggled in the games prior.
The team relied heavily on Malik Abdul-Wali, who went 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, three RBI, and two runs. Euclid is 2-1 when Abdul-Wali posts two or more stolen bases, but 5-11 otherwise. The team also got some help courtesy of Anthony Shockey, who went 2-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one double.
Euclid always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .595. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Euclid's victory bumped their record up to 7-12. As for Cleveland Central Catholic, they have been struggling recently as they've lost four of their last five matches. That's put a noticeable dent in their 3-9 record this season.
Euclid's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Cleveland Central Catholic has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .450. It's a different story for Euclid, though, as they've only averaged .359. Will they be able to contain Cleveland Central Catholic's hitters?
Cleveland Central Catholic suffered a grim 14-2 defeat to Euclid in their previous meeting two weeks ago. Will the Ironmen have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more baseball content.
