Ragland hasn't had much luck against Weaver recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Purple Devils will host the Bearcats at 4:30 p.m. Given that the two teams suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this matchup.
Victory Christian hit Ragland with a six-run fifth inning on Thursday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Purple Devils wound up with the same score they had in their last game (8-6), but sadly the team found themselves on the wrong side of the score this time. Purple Devils fans who chose to attend the game sure picked the wrong one: it was the first time the team has lost against the Lions since Thursday.
Kobe Embry was huge no matter where he played even without the win. He struck out 12 batters over 4.1 innings while giving up three earned runs off only two hits. He has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than two hits in seven consecutive appearances. He was also stellar in the batter's box, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two triples, two runs, and two RBI.
Byron Mizzell
| 04/16/26 vs Victory Christian | 2 |
| 04/14/26 @ Victory Christian | 1 |
| 04/06/26 vs Jefferson Christian Academy | 1 |
| 04/06/26 vs Cornerstone | 1 |
| 04/02/26 vs Saks | 3 |
| + 4 more games |
In other batting news, Byron Mizzell made the most of his time in the batter's box despite the final result and got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two stolen bases and two runs. He has been hot for a while, having posted at least one stolen base the last nine times he's played.
Meanwhile, after soaring to 20 runs the game before, Weaver was a bit more limited in their contest on Friday. They fell 4-1 to Ohatchee.
Weaver saw two different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Tucker Michaels, who went 1-for-3 with one double.
Weaver's defeat dropped their record down to 12-12. As for Ragland, their loss dropped their record down to 8-10.
Monday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Ragland has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .496. However, it's not like Weaver struggles in that department as they've averaged .437. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Ragland might still be hurting after the 11-4 defeat they got from Weaver in their previous matchup back in March. Will the Purple Devils 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.
