The Chester County Eagles will face off against the Riverside Panthers at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. The timing is sure in Chester County's favor as the squad sits on 12 straight wins at home (dating back to last season) while Riverside has been banged up by five consecutive losses on the road also dating back to last season.
Chester County barely beat Bolivar Central the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. Everything went Chester County's way against Bolivar Central on Monday as Chester County made off with an 11-1 victory. That ten run margin sets a new team best for the Eagles this season.
Dean Estes was a major factor no matter where he played. He didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out six over five innings pitched. That's the fewest hits he has allowed since back in April of 2024. He was also big at the plate, scoring three runs while going 1-for-3. What's more, he posted two RBI, the most he's had since back in April of 2024.
In other batting news, Caleb Cole was excellent, scoring a run while going 2-for-4. Another player making a difference was Braylin Robinson, who scored a run while going 1-for-2.
Meanwhile, it was a proper cat-fight when Riverside faced off against Hardin County on Tuesday. Riverside fell just short of Hardin County by a score of 5-4. Panthers fans who chose to attend the game sure picked the wrong one: it was the first time the team's lost against the Tigers since on Tuesday.
Riverside also got a good showing from Brilan Crawford, who tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit.
On the hitting side, Connor Newberry made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and scored a run and stole Two bases. while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances.
Riverside's loss dropped their record down to 2-5. As for Chester County, their win bumped their record up to 5-2.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Chester County has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Riverside struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Chester County was able to grind out a solid victory over Riverside in their previous matchup back in March of 2024, winning 3-0. Will Chester County repeat their success, or does Riverside have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
