Mechanicsburg is 0-5 against Cumberland Valley since May of 2021 but things could change on Wednesday. The Wildcats will host the Eagles at 4:15 p.m. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (Mechanicsburg 3.8, Cumberland Valley 2.8) so any runs scored will be well earned.
Mechanicsburg took a loss when they played away from home on Thursday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Monday. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 3-1 win over Altoona.
Grady Weaver spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered a run (which was unearned) on two hits and racked up 11 Ks. He has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in six consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Mechanicsburg's victory was truly a team effort as three different players contributed at least one hit. One of them was Luke Bencivenga, who went 1-for-3 with one run and one RBI. Jager Nailor was another, getting on base in two of his three plate appearances with two stolen bases and one run.
Meanwhile, Cumberland Valley got the win against Cedar Cliff on Monday by a conclusive 8-2. Considering the Eagles have won five games by more than five runs this season, Monday's blowout was nothing new.
Curtis Shinn tossed a big game, not allowing a single earned run over five innings pitched.
On the hitting side, Caden Lloyd was incredible, going 3-for-4 with one home run and three RBI. That's the most hits he has posted since back in April of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Alex Crosby, who went 3-for-4 with one run and one RBI.
Cumberland Valley kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 13 hits. That's a new trend for them: they were averaging 4.8 hits per game earlier this season, but in their last 15 matchups they've averaged 9.2.
Cumberland Valley's win was their eighth straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 8-2. The home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 7.4 runs over those games. As for Mechanicsburg, they have been performing well recently as they've won five of their last six contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 8-4 record this season.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Wednesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Mechanicsburg has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.8 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Cumberland Valley struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 8.3 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Mechanicsburg might still be hurting after the 11-1 defeat they got from Cumberland Valley when the teams last played on April 1st. Will the Wildcats have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other baseball content.