The Marion-Franklin Red Devils are taking a road trip to square off against the Independence 76ers at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. Marion-Franklin is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.6 runs per game this season.
On Thursday, it was close, but Marion-Franklin sidestepped South for a 7-6 win. The Red Devils haven't had any issues with the Bulldogs recently, as the game was their third consecutive victory against them.
Marvin RJ Robinson made a splash no matter where he played. He struck out 15 batters over six innings while giving up four earned runs off only two hits. He has become a key player for Marion-Franklin: the team is 2-1 when he posts at least eight strikeouts, but 2-5-1 otherwise. Robinson was also big at the plate, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with one stolen base, one run, and one double.
Jamarion Parks
| 05/14/26 vs South | 3 |
| 04/17/25 vs East | 2 |
| 05/04/26 vs Walnut Ridge | 1 |
| 04/27/26 vs Briggs | 1 |
| 04/16/26 vs Eastmoor Academy | 1 |
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Jamarion Parks, who went 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, three RBI, and one run. Those three hits gave him a new career-high. Eduardo Martinez also deserves some recognition as he hit his first double of the season.
Marion-Franklin was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .480. That's the best batting average they've posted all season.
Independence never got on the board in their matchup last Monday, but that sure wasn't the case in their game against Walnut Ridge last Wednesday. They were the clear victors by a 13-2 margin over the Scots. The high-scoring performance was a welcome turnaround for the 76ers' hitters, who had struggled in the games prior.
Like Marion-Franklin, Independence also got a great game from a two-way player: Romeo Morales. On the mound, he pitched 2.1 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Morales was also solid in the batter's box, earning one run and three stolen bases.
In other batting news, Independence got a massive performance out of Derek Pigott, who got on base in all three of his plate appearances with six stolen bases and two runs. Aaiden Bush was another key player, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with seven stolen bases and three runs.
Independence's record is now 9-7. As for Marion-Franklin, they picked up their first home win, bumping their record up to 4-6-1.
Friday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Marion-Franklin has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .527. However, it's not like Independence struggles in that department as they've averaged .555. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Marion-Franklin couldn't quite finish off Independence in their previous matchup back in April and fell 12-10. Can the Red Devils avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
