The Norwell Knights will face off against the Delta Eagles at 6:00 p.m. on Monday. Norwell's pitching crew has only allowed 3.9 runs per game this season, so Delta's hitters will have their work cut out for them.
Carroll hit Norwell with a five-run second inning on Friday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Knights took a 9-4 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Chargers. The Knights have struggled against the Chargers recently, as the game was their third consecutive lost matchup.
Norwell got a good showing from Brayden Huffman, who tossed 3.2 innings while giving up no earned runs off four hits. That's the first time Huffman hasn't allowed a single earned run since back in April.
On the hitting side, Trey Privett made the most of his time in the batter's box despite the final result and got on base in all three of his plate appearances with one run and one double.
Delta came out on top against Connersville on Friday thanks in part to the team's impressive seven-run fourth inning. The Eagles were the clear victors by a 12-1 margin over the Spartans. With that victory, the Eagles brought their scoring average up to 6.5 runs per game.
Kye Berger was a major factor no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run over four innings pitched. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in four consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Brady Williams, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run, five RBI, and two runs. Those five RBI gave him a new career-high. Cole Terry also deserves some recognition as he brought in his first RBI of the season.
Delta hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team has now struck out at least five batters in four consecutive contests.
Delta is on a roll lately: they've won five of their last six matchups. That's provided a massive bump to their 9-6 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 7.0 runs over those games. As for Norwell, their defeat dropped their record down to 8-6.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Monday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Norwell has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.4 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Delta struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.1 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Norwell got the 'W' when the teams last played back in May of 2022 against Delta by a conclusive 10-4 score. Do the Knights have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Eagles turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.