Merino is 9-1 against Akron since April of 2019, and they'll have a chance to extend that success in Tuesday's first game. The Merino Rams will be playing in front of their home fans against the Akron Rams at 1:00 p.m. Merino is strutting in with some hitting muscle, as they've averaged 9.8 runs per game this season.
In Saturday's second game, Merino came up short against Haxtun and fell 9-6.
Tyler Miller made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and scored two runs while going 2-for-4.
Meanwhile, Akron waltzed into their game in Friday's second game with three straight wins... but they left with four. Everything went their way against the Buffaloes as they made off with a 14-1 victory. Akron might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team's won four matches by ten runs or more this season.
Alex Bowin made a big impact no matter where he played. On the mound, he didn't allow a single earned run over five innings pitched. Bowin was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with three RBI.
In other batting news, Brandon Hellyer was incredible, scoring two runs and stealing five bases while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances. Another player making a difference was Anderson Filla, who scored two runs and stole three bases while going 2-for-3.
Merino's defeat ended a five-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 10-4. As for Akron, they pushed their record up to 10-1 with that win, which was their tenth straight at home dating back to last season.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart in Tuesday's first game as both teams have some strikeout artists on the roster. Merino has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Akron struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8.1. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Merino might still be hurting after the 11-3 loss they got from Akron in their previous matchup back in May of 2023. Can Merino avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
