Byers hasn't had much luck against Peyton recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Bulldogs will host the Panthers at 5:30 p.m. Byers has given up an average of 7.5 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Monday just wasn't the day for Byers' offense. They came up short against Denver Christian on Monday, falling 11-0. The Bulldogs just can't catch a break and have now endured three defeats in a row.
Byers saw two different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Parker Ebert, who went a perfect 1-for-1 with one double.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Peyton, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Wednesday. They put the hurt on Rye with a sharp 9-1 win on Tuesday. The Panthers might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won four matches by eight runs or more this season.
Noah Martin and Bryce Love made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, Martin didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out ten over five innings pitched. Meanwhile, Love pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Those ten strikeouts gave Martin a new career-high. At bat, Martin scored three runs and stole two bases while going 3-for-4, while Love scored two runs and stole two bases while going 2-for-3.
In other batting news, Liam Stewart was incredible, going 2-for-3 with one home run and three RBI. Those three RBI gave him a new career-high.
Peyton was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .400. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Rye only posted a batting average of .080.
Peyton pushed their record up to 8-1 with the victory, which was their eighth straight at home dating back to last season. Those home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.5 runs over those games. As for Byers, their loss dropped their record down to 4-4.
Thursday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Byers has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .442. However, it's not like Peyton struggles in that department as they've averaged .504. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Byers might still be hurting after the 13-3 defeat they got from Peyton when the teams last played back in April of 2024. Will the Bulldogs have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.
