The Wyalusing Valley Rams will head out on the road to face off against the Wellsboro Hornets at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. The teams are rolling into the game with opposing streaks: Wyalusing Valley has struggled recently with seven losses in a row, while Wellsboro will arrive with nine straight wins.
Thursday just wasn't the day for Wyalusing Valley's offense. They lost 6-0 to South Williamsport on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Wellsboro got the win against Northeast Bradford on Thursday by a conclusive 15-1. The Hornets might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won eight contests by six runs or more this season.
Gage Baltzley was a major factor no matter where he played. On the mound, he didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out seven over five innings pitched. He has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going a perfect 2-for-2 with four RBI, one run, and one double. That's the most hits he has posted since back in April.
In other batting news, Wellsboro let Maxwell Mascho and Marek Mascho run wild. Maxwell went a perfect 2-for-2 with two stolen bases, three runs, and two RBI, while Marek went 3-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. Those two stolen bases gave Maxwell a new career-high. Maddon Mascho also deserves some recognition as he hit his first double of the season.
Wellsboro always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .567. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Northeast Bradford only posted an OBP of .200.
Wellsboro's record is now 13-2. As for Wyalusing Valley, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-14.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Friday as neither team is afraid to steal. Wyalusing Valley has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 2.8 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Wellsboro struggles in that department as they've been averaging 3.9 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Wyalusing Valley suffered a grim 18-0 defeat to Wellsboro in their previous matchup last Tuesday. Can the Rams avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
