The Pickford Panthers will head out to face off against the Harbor Light Christian Swordsmen at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. Each of these teams will be fighting to keep a win streak alive as Pickford comes in on 12 and Harbor Light Christian on 14.
If Pickford beats Harbor Light Christian with 15 runs on Thursday, it's going to be the squad's new lucky number: they've won their past two games with that exact score. The Panthers never let Newberry get on the board and left with a 15-0 win on Monday. Considering the Panthers have won ten contests by more than five runs this season, Monday's blowout was nothing new.
Carter Rye
| 05/12/25 @ Newberry | 6 |
| 05/03/25 @ Rudyard | 6 |
| 04/23/25 @ Harbor Springs | 8 |
Carter Rye made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he struck out six batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and only one walk). He has been consistent recently: he hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in three consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with three stolen bases and one run.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Gunner Bennin, who fired off two home runs and six RBI while going 2-for-3. Those two home runs gave him a new career-high. Kaden Wiltfong also deserves some recognition as he hit his first double of the season.
Pickford was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .632. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Newberry only posted a batting average of .000.
Meanwhile, Harbor Light Christian got the win against Traverse City Christian on Tuesday by a conclusive 13-2. Considering the Swordsmen have won 13 matchups by more than five runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
Like Pickford, Harbor Light Christian also got a great game from a two-way player: Daniel Urman. He looked comfortable on the mound, tossing three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Urman was also big at the plate, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with two stolen bases and three runs.
In other batting news, Ayden Burns was excellent, going 2-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double. Another player making a difference was Vaughn Henagan, who went 1-for-3 with two stolen bases and two runs.
Harbor Light Christian pushed their record up to 17-2 with the victory, which was their 11th straight at home. 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 Pickford, their record is now 12-0-1.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Thursday as neither team is afraid to steal. Pickford has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 8.2 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Harbor Light Christian struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 5.4 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Pickford couldn't quite get it done against Harbor Light Christian when the teams last played back in April of 2024 as they fell 7-3. Can the Panthers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
