Manheim Central has gone 8-2 against Eastern Lebanon County recently and they'll look to pad the win column further on Wednesday. The Barons will face off against the Raiders at 4:15 p.m. The two teams are strolling into their contests after big wins in their previous games.
Manheim Central was handed a heart-breaking two-run loss in their last game, but they sure didn't let that happen against Octorara Area on Monday. The Barons were the clear victors by an 11-2 margin over the Braves. The Barons haven't had any issues with the Braves recently, as the game was their seventh consecutive win against them.
Colin Connelly
| 04/27/26 @ Octorara Area | 3 |
| 04/02/26 vs J.P. McCaskey | 2 |
| 04/25/25 vs Lampeter-Strasburg | 2 |
| 05/17/25 @ Donegal | 1 |
| 04/15/25 @ Garden Spot | 1 |
Colin Connelly was a major factor no matter where he played. He struck out nine batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off seven hits (and not a single walk). He has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in five consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 3-for-5 with three RBI and one double. Those three RBI gave him a new career-high.
In other batting news, Clint Groff was incredible, getting on base in three of his five plate appearances with three runs, two RBI, and one double. That's the most runs he has posted since back in April of 2025. Another player making a difference was Chase Book, who went 1-for-4 with one run and one RBI.
Manheim Central always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .578. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Eastern Lebanon County hadn't done well against Garden Spot recently (they were 2-7 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Monday. The Raiders blew past the Spartans 8-1. With that victory, the Raiders brought their scoring average up to 6.1 runs per game.
Austin Smith made a splash while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out nine batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned run off six hits. He has become a key player for Eastern Lebanon County: the team is 4-2 when he allows at most two earned runs, but 4-6 otherwise. Smith was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with two runs and one RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Wyatt Parker, who went 3-for-4 with one home run and three RBI. Tanner Hibshman was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, one run, and one double.
The win got Eastern Lebanon County back to even at 8-8. As for Manheim Central, their record now sits at 13-4.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Wednesday as neither team is afraid to steal. Manheim Central has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.8 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Eastern Lebanon County struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 2.9 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Manheim Central got the 'W' when the teams last played two weeks ago against Eastern Lebanon County by a conclusive 10-0 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Barons since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
