The Alden Bulldogs will head out on the road to square off against the Maryvale Flyers at 5:15 p.m. on Thursday. Alden is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 10.4 runs per game this season.
Alden is hoping to deliver their fans another blowout on Thursday, just like they did against City Honors (and have done all season long). Alden put the hurt on City Honors with a sharp 13-5 win on Tuesday. Alden's victory was all the more impressive since City Honors was averaging only 3.5 runs allowed on the season.
Josh Kruk and David Earsing were a major factor no matter where they played. Throwing, Kruk tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. Meanwhile, Earsing pitched an inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. At bat, Kruk scored four runs and stole a base while going 2-for-3, while Earsing scored four runs and stole a base while getting on base in all five of his plate appearances.
In other batting news, Jack Doster was excellent, scoring a run while going 2-for-4. Steven Syracuse was another key contributor, scoring two runs while going 2-for-4.
Meanwhile, with a playoff game on the line, Maryvale rose to the challenge on Tuesday. They had just enough and edged the Griffins out 2-1.
James Rindfleisch spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered one run (which was unearned) on three hits and racked up six Ks. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in six consecutive pitching appearances.
On the hitting side, Matthew Prusiecki was excellent, getting on base in all three of his plate appearances with three stolen bases.
Alden's record now sits at 8-9. As for Maryvale, they are on a roll lately: they've won five of their last six contests, which provided a nice bump to their 15-6 record this season.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Alden has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.2 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Maryvale struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8.9. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Alden came up short against Maryvale when the teams last played back in April of 2019, falling 3-0. Thankfully for Alden, Carson Harper (who didn't allow a single earned run over 5.1 innings pitched) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
