The Merkel Badgers will face off against the Sweetwater Mustangs at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. The two teams are strolling into their matches after big wins in their previous games.
Merkel's pitching crew heads into the game hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Tuesday. Everything went their way against San Angelo Texas Leadership Charter Academy as they made off with a 12-0 victory. The Badgers haven't had any issues with the Eagles recently, as the game was their fifth consecutive win against them.
| 04/15/25 vs San Angelo Texas Leadership Charter Academy | 8 |
| 03/08/25 vs Snyder | 3 |
| 03/21/25 vs Clyde | 2 |
| 03/08/25 @ Big Spring | 1 |
| 03/01/25 vs Ballinger | 1 |
Mayson Prieto made a big impact no matter where he played. He didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out eight over five innings pitched. Those eight strikeouts gave him a new career-high. He was also big at the plate, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 1-for-3.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Trey Alexander, who scored three runs while going 2-for-2. Those three runs gave him a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Kaden Blubaugh, who went 1-for-2 with one triple, two RBI, and one run.
Merkel was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .565. They are 6-1 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Meanwhile, Sweetwater entered their tilt with Grape Creek on Friday with two consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with three. They blew past the Eagles 18-0.
Like Merkel, Sweetwater also got a great game from a two-way player: Cash Barnes. He looked comfortable on the mound, keeping things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out 11 over five innings pitched. Barnes is becoming a predictor of Sweetwater's success: when he posts at least ten strikeouts the team is undefeated (and 7-12 when he doesn't). Barnes was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with four RBI and one double.
In other batting news, Daniel Rodriguez was excellent, scoring three runs and stealing two bases while going 1-for-3. He has become a key player for Sweetwater: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 6-12 otherwise. Braxton Bartee was another key player, scoring two runs while going 3-for-4.
Sweetwater's victory was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 10-12. Those home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 16.0 runs over those games. As for Merkel, their victory bumped their record up to 11-9-1.
Thursday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Merkel has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .447. However, it's not like Sweetwater struggles in that department as they've averaged .501. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Merkel suffered a grim 9-3 defeat to Sweetwater in their previous meeting back in March of 2024. Will the Badgers have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.
