Jacksonville hasn't had much luck against D.H. Conley recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Cardinals will host the Vikings at 7:00 p.m. Both come into the match bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Jacksonville played in-conference for the first time on Thursday and got just the result they were looking for. They came out on top in a nail-biter against Havelock, sneaking past 5-3. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Cardinals have posted against the Rams since May 13, 2021.
Vasco Sutton made a splash no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out eight batters over 3.1 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and not a single walk). He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 1-for-4.
Sutton wasn't the only one making solid contact as four players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Maguire Lewis, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with one RBI.
Meanwhile, D.H. Conley came tearing into Thursday's contest with nine straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 6.3 runs), and they left with even more momentum. They walked away with an 11-8 win over the Falcons. D.H. Conley's victory was all the more impressive since the Falcons were averaging only 3.08 runs allowed on the season.
Harrison Corey looked comfortable as he struck out six batters over 3.2 innings while giving up just two earned runs off two hits.
At the plate, Ethan Stewart was incredible, going 2-for-3 with one home run, six RBI, and one stolen base. Those six RBI gave him a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Nolan Winfield, who scored three runs and stole a base while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances.
D.H. Conley's win was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 12-1. The home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.8 runs over those games. As for Jacksonville, their win ended a four-game drought on the road and puts them at 6-8.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Jacksonville has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.4 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like D.H. Conley 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.
Jacksonville suffered a grim 11-1 defeat to D.H. Conley when the teams last played last Thursday. Will the Cardinals have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more baseball content.
