The University Christian Christians are taking a road trip to take on the St. Joseph Academy Flashes at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The last three games University Christian has played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.
University Christian took a ten-run defeat the last time they faced off against Atlantic Coast, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Christians skirted past the Stingrays 3-2. That's two games straight that the Christians have won by just one run.
Nathan Nunez looked comfortable as he pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Bryson Harnage and Bo Wilson did most of the damage at the plate: Harnage went 1-for-3 with one home run, while Wilson scored a run and stole a base while going 1-for-2. The team also got some help courtesy of Brennen Crouch, who scored a run and stole a base while going 1-for-1.
Meanwhile, St. Joseph Academy got themselves on the board against Oakleaf on Thursday, but Oakleaf never followed suit. They narrowly escaped with a victory as the team sidled past the Knights 2-0. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Flashes have posted since February 12th.
Cullen Garner looked comfortable as he pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. What's more, he posted five strikeouts, the most he's had since back in March.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Dayton Taylor, who went 2-for-3 with one stolen base, one double, and one RBI.
St. Joseph Academy hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their strikeout total in three consecutive games.
University Christian has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won six of their last seven matches. That's provided a nice bump to their 17-7 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.0 runs over those games. As for St. Joseph Academy, their record now sits at 18-6-1.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. University Christian has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like St. Joseph Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging 9.2 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
University Christian couldn't quite get it done against St. Joseph Academy when the teams last played back in March of 2024 as they fell 3-0. Can the Christians avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
