Warren hasn't had much luck against McDowell recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Dragons will face off against the Trojans at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday just wasn't the day for Warren's offense. They came up short against General McLane on Thursday, falling 7-0. The contest marked the first time this year in which the Dragons were not able to get on the board.
Meanwhile, McDowell waltzed into their matchup on Wednesday with seven straight wins... but they left with eight. Everything went their way against the Royals as they made off with a 13-3 win. The result was nothing new for the Trojans, who have now won six games by eight runs or more so far this season.
Gaven Chaffee spent all six innings played on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered just two earned (and one unearned) runs on three hits and racked up 12 Ks.
On the hitting side, McDowell got a massive performance out of Colton Orlando, who got on base in four of his five plate appearances with three runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. Orlando is becoming a predictor of the Trojans' success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 3-4 when he doesn't). The team also got some help courtesy of Joseph Stephan, who got on base in four of his five plate appearances with four RBI, one stolen base, and one run.
McDowell always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .564. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Erie only posted an OBP of .208.
Warren's defeat dropped their record down to 2-9. As for McDowell, their record is now 9-4.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Warren has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like McDowell struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 7.5 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Warren suffered a grim 19-1 defeat to McDowell in their previous matchup on Monday. Can the Dragons avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
