Maize and Derby are an even 5-5 against one another since April of 2018, but likely not for long. The Maize Eagles will head out on the road to take on the Derby Panthers at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. Maize is coming into the match hot, having won their last seven games.
Last Friday, Maize narrowly escaped with a win as the squad sidled past Washburn Rural 4-3.
Luke Ethridge tossed a big game, striking out seven batters over six innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off four hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive pitching appearances.
At the plate, Maize let Brodie Jarvis and Parker Meirowsky loose on the outfield. Jarvis scored a run and stole a base while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances, while Meirowsky scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-3.
Meanwhile, Derby started off well but failed to capitalize on an early lead against Olathe West. They wound up on the wrong side of a rough 12-2 walloping at the hands of the Owls on Saturday. Derby has now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Derby saw six different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Rowan Foster, who scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-3.
Maize's victory was their fourth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 15-3. As for Derby, their loss dropped their record down to 11-8.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Maize has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.1 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Derby struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Maize skirted past Derby 4-3 in their previous meeting back in April of 2023. The rematch might be a little tougher for Maize since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
