The Independence 76ers are taking a road trip to take on the Briggs Bruins at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Independence has given up an average of 11.3 runs per game this season, but Wednesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Independence came into their game on Monday off a hard-fought close win, but unfortunately suffered a serious change of fortune. They came up short against Marion-Franklin, falling 22-5. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest loss the 76ers have suffered against the Red Devils since May 3, 2019.
Darric Gibson
| 04/14/25 vs Marion-Franklin | 4 |
| 04/11/25 vs Walnut Ridge | 3 |
| 04/09/25 @ South | 2 |
Richard Kearney and Darric Gibson stepped up to the plate in a big way. Kearney scored two runs and stole three bases while going 2-for-2, while Gibson scored two runs and stole four bases while going 1-for-1. Gibson is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as he's now snagged two or more in each of the last three games he's played.
Meanwhile, Briggs had already won four in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 10.5 runs) and they went ahead and made it five on Tuesday. They put the hurt on the Bulldogs with a sharp 20-13 victory. The result was nothing new for the Bruins, who have now won six games by seven runs or more so far this season.
Wyatt Martin made a splash no matter where he played. On the mound, he struck out six batters over 2.2 innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits (and only one walk). Those six strikeouts gave him a new career-high. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-5 with three RBI and one stolen base.
In other batting news, JD Adkins was incredible, scoring five runs while going 3-for-4. He also put up two doubles, which were his first of the season. Another player making a difference was Troy Downs, who got on base in four of his five plate appearances with four RBI, two doubles, and one stolen base.
Briggs kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 14 hits. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as South only managed seven hits.
Briggs' win was their third straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 7-2. Those road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 16.0 runs over those games. As for Independence, their defeat dropped their record down to 2-4.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Wednesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Independence has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Briggs struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 8.8 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Independence suffered a grim 19-1 defeat to Briggs in their previous meeting back in March. Can the 76ers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
