The Althoff Catholic Crusaders will head out to challenge the Mater Dei Knights at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. Althoff Catholic is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.3 runs per game this season.
Althoff Catholic couldn't beat Mascoutah on Friday even though they stacked six runs on them in the second inning. The Crusaders came up short against the Indians, falling 21-6. The defeat continues a trend for the Crusaders in their meetings with the Indians: they've now lost eight in a row.
Bo Gomric was cooking despite his team's loss, going 2-for-3 with one home run, four RBI, and one triple.
Meanwhile, Mater Dei came into Thursday's game having lost five straight, but that streak is now in the rearview. They blew past Hillsboro 9-1 on Thursday.
Mater Dei also got a great performance from Adrian Rendon as he didn't allow a single earned run while striking out 11 over six innings pitched. Rendon has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than one walk in four consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Brady Salzman was a standout: he went 3-for-4 with two runs, one triple, and one double. That's the most runs he has posted since back in March. Avery Strader was another key player, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with two stolen bases, one run, and one RBI.
Mater Dei picked up their first road win, bumping their record up to 3-8. As for Althoff Catholic, their loss dropped their record down to 10-9.
Mater Dei's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Althoff Catholic has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .451. It's a different story for Mater Dei, though, as they've only averaged .361. Will they be able to contain Althoff Catholic's hitters?
Althoff Catholic was able to grind out a solid victory over Mater Dei in their previous meeting back in April of 2024, winning 5-2. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Crusaders since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
