The Eads Eagles will take on the McClave Cardinals at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. Eads will come into the matchup with an undefeated record on the line.
Eads is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Tuesday. Their pitchers stepped up to hand Manzanola a 21-0 shutout. Considering the Eagles have won 12 games by more than five runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
Adyn Hough and Case Nelson were major factors while hitting and pitching. On the mound, Hough tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Nelson pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Hough has been consistent for a while: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in ten consecutive appearances. At bat, Hough went 1-for-3 with two stolen bases and two runs, while Nelson got on base in two of his three plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.
In other batting news, Stockton Mitchek was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two stolen bases, five RBI, and three runs. The dominant performance also gave him a new career-high in doubles (two). Spencer Uhland was another key player, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with three runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
Eads always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .742. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for McClave, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Friday. They walked away with a 4-0 win over Stratton on Tuesday. Give some credit to the fans of both teams: the last four times they've met, the home team has come away the winner.
Kielan Mallard made a splash no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only two hits while striking out 11 over seven innings pitched. Mallard was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-2 with one home run and two RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Lawton Annen, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with two RBI, one run, and one double.
Eads' victory was their 13th straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 16-0. As for McClave, their win bumped their record up to 11-7.
Everything went Eads' way against McClave when the teams last played on Friday, as Eads made off with an 11-2 victory. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Eagles since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
