The Lakeside Dragons will head out on the road to square off against the Madison Blue Streaks at 5:00 p.m. on Monday. Madison took a loss in their last game and will be looking to turn the tables on Lakeside, who comes in off a win.
Lakeside barely beat Conneaut the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. The Dragons put the hurt on the Spartans with a sharp 14-0 win on Tuesday. The Dragons' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Anthony Wooten
Anthony Wooten was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only one hit while striking out ten over five innings pitched. He also tossed no walks, which is notable because Lakeside is 2-1 when he allows at most one walk, but 2-8 otherwise. Wooten was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with three runs and two RBI. Those two RBI gave him a new career-high.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Matt Wagner, who went 2-for-3 with three runs, four RBI, and two doubles. He is becoming a predictor of Lakeside's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is 2-1 (and 2-8 when he doesn't). Jackson Stills also deserves some recognition as he got his first hit of the season.
Lakeside was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .452. That's the best batting average they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Madison fell victim to Hubbard and their airtight pitching crew on Friday. They took a 4-0 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Eagles. The Blue Streaks' defeat signaled the end of their six-game winning streak.
Lakeside's victory ended an eight-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 4-9. As for Madison, their loss dropped their record down to 8-3.
Monday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Lakeside has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .432. However, it's not like Madison struggles in that department as they've averaged .440. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Lakeside came up short against Madison when the teams last played back in May of 2024, falling 6-1. Can the Dragons avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
