For the second straight game, Taft will face off against Scio. The Tigers will welcome the Loggers at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Taft is coming into the contest hot, having won their last six games.
Taft had to skate by with only a one-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the ten-run drubbing they dealt Scio on Wednesday. The Tigers blew past the Loggers 15-5. Considering the Tigers have won 13 games by more than five runs this season, Wednesday's blowout was nothing new.
Zack Hankins made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he struck out seven batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and only one walk). He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than two hits in 12 consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one triple. That's the most hits he has posted since back in April.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Trenton Battle, who went 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI. That's the most hits he has posted since back in April. Justice Kelso was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two RBI and one double.
Taft always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .528. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Scio only posted an OBP of .273.
Taft's win was their fourth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 16-4. The road victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.0 runs on average over those games. As for Scio, this is the second loss in a row for them and nudges their season record down to 7-14.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Friday as neither team is afraid to steal. Taft has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 5.1 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Scio struggles in that department as they've been averaging 2.7 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more baseball content.
