The Blue Ridge Barons will take on the Grace Christian Warriors at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. Blue Ridge has given up an average of 11.3 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Blue Ridge couldn't beat North Cross on Wednesday even though they stacked five runs on them in the fourth inning. The Barons lost 19-9 to the Raiders. The loss continues a trend for the Barons in their meetings with the Raiders: they've now lost four in a row.
Ty Collins made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and got on base in three of his four plate appearances with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI. Jason Byers was another key player, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with one stolen base and two RBI.
Meanwhile, Grace Christian waltzed into their matchup on Thursday with four straight wins... but they left with five. They never let the Celtics get on the board and left with an 11-0 win. Give the Warriors' pitching crew some credit: that's the team's third straight shutout.
Elijah McCaskill and Landon Wright made a splash no matter where they played. On the mound, McCaskill tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Meanwhile, Wright tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. McCaskill has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in five consecutive appearances. At the plate, McCaskill went 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBI, while Wright went 3-for-4 with three doubles, three RBI, and one stolen base. That's the most RBI Wright has posted since back in April of 2024.
In other batting news, Ethan Wright was excellent, going 1-for-2 with three runs and one stolen base. He is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as he's now snagged at least one in each of the last three games he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Zeke Cozzolino, who went 1-for-3 with three RBI and one run.
Grace Christian's victory was their ninth straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 9-1. Those home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.2 runs on average over those games. As for Blue Ridge, their defeat dropped their record down to 4-9.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Friday as neither team is afraid to steal. Blue Ridge has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 5.1 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Grace Christian struggles in that department as they've been averaging 2.8 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Blue Ridge suffered a grim 21-7 defeat to Grace Christian in their previous matchup back in March of 2024. Will the Barons have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
