The Smithfield Sentinels will look to defend their home field on Saturday against the Pilgrim Patriots at 1:00 p.m. Both teams have allowed few runs on average, (Smithfield: 4.1, Pilgrim: 3.5) so any runs scored will be well earned.
Smithfield is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Rhode Island's top teams: La Salle Academy, who was ranked ninth in their home state at the time (Smithfield was ranked 20th). Smithfield took a 7-4 hit to the loss column at the hands of La Salle Academy on Monday. Smithfield has struggled against La Salle Academy recently, as their game on Monday was their fourth consecutive lost matchup.
Smithfield got a good showing from Luca Simonelli, who didn't allow a single earned run and only one hit over four innings pitched. Simonelli has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive pitching appearances.
At the plate, Smithfield saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Jackson Chamberlin, who went 2-for-3 with three RBI. Michael Villandry was another key contributor, scoring two runs and stealing a base while getting on base in two of his four plate appearances.
Meanwhile, Thursday just wasn't the day for Pilgrim's offense. They lost 6-0 to South Kingstown on Thursday.
Smithfield's loss dropped their record down to 6-6-2. As for Pilgrim, their defeat dropped their record down to 6-9.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Saturday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Smithfield has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Pilgrim struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.9. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Smithfield skirted past Pilgrim 4-3 when the teams last played back in May of 2023. Does Smithfield have another victory up their sleeve, or will Pilgrim turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
