The Columbiana Clippers will face off against the Mineral Ridge Rams at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Columbiana has given up an average of 7.4 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Saturday just wasn't the day for Columbiana's offense. They lost 13-0 to Howland on Saturday. The Clippers have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Mineral Ridge came out on top against Memorial on Monday thanks in part to the team's impressive seven-run third inning. The Rams' pitchers stepped up to hand the Red Devils a 14-0 shutout. The Rams might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won seven contests by six runs or more this season.
Xavier Klamer was a major factor no matter where he played. On the mound, he pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Klamer was also big at the plate, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one stolen base and one run.
In other pitching news, Christian Dunlap looked comfortable as he pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits.
Back at the plate, Dom Balestrino was incredible, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with three runs, three RBI, and one stolen base. Those three runs gave him a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of AJ Sandy, who went 2-for-4 with three RBI, two runs, and one stolen base.
Mineral Ridge was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .419. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Memorial only posted a batting average of .000.
Mineral Ridge is on a roll lately: they've won 13 of their last 15 matches. That's provided a nice bump to their 17-4 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 8.3 runs over those games. As for Columbiana, their loss dropped their record down to 11-14.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Friday as neither team is afraid to steal. Columbiana has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.8 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Mineral Ridge struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 4.6 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Everything went Columbiana's way against Mineral Ridge in their previous matchup back in April of 2023, as Columbiana made off with a 14-4 win. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Clippers since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
