The Empire Ravens are taking a road trip to take on the Pusch Ridge Christian Academy Lions at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday. One thing working in Empire's favor is that they have posted at least ten runs in their last three games.
Empire's pitching crew heads into the contest hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Tuesday. They put the hurt on Palo Verde with a sharp 13-0 victory. The win continues a trend for the Ravens in their matchups with the Titans: they've now won four in a row.
Asher Bird
| 04/15/25 vs Palo Verde | 3 |
| 04/02/24 vs Sabino | 1 |
| 03/25/24 vs Palo Verde | 12 |
Asher Bird made a big impact no matter where he played. On the mound, he tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. What's more, he posted three strikeouts, the most he's had since back in March of 2024. He was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with four RBI, two runs, and one triple.
In other batting news, Brady Carey was excellent, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while going 1-for-1. He is becoming a predictor of Empire's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is 2-1 (and 9-10 when he doesn't). Micah Tiggas was another key player, scoring a run and stealing two bases while going 1-for-2.
Empire always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .600. That was just more of the same: they've now posted an OBP of .552 or higher in three consecutive matches.
Meanwhile, after soaring to 15 runs the game before, Pusch Ridge Christian Academy was a bit more limited in their game on Tuesday. They fell just short of Walden Grove by a score of 2-1.
Pusch Ridge Christian Academy saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was John Sunukjian, who scored a run while going 2-for-4.
The victory got Empire back to even at 11-11. As for Pusch Ridge Christian Academy, their defeat dropped their record down to 10-10.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Wednesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Empire has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.2 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Pusch Ridge Christian Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 9.3 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Empire suffered a grim 8-2 defeat to Pusch Ridge Christian Academy in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Can the Ravens avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
