The Geneva Panthers will challenge the Wayne Eagles at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday.
Geneva managed to slip by East the last time these teams faced off, but didn't have those same answers this time around. The Panthers lost 12-2 to the Eagles on Wednesday. The Panthers have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Geneva saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Ben Trout, who went 1-for-2 with one triple and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Wayne had just enough and edged out School of the Arts 4-2 on Wednesday. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Eagles.
Cory Jones was a major factor no matter where he played. On the mound, he struck out six batters over 6.1 innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off three hits (and only one walk). He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going a perfect 1-for-1 with two RBI, one run, and one double. Those RBI marked the first that he has brought in this season.
In other batting news, Michael Grasso was excellent, going 2-for-3 with two runs, two doubles, and one RBI. William Murray also deserves some recognition as he scored his first run of the season.
Wayne's victory was their fifth straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 5-3. Those home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 8.6 runs over those games. As for Geneva, their defeat dropped their record down to 2-4.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Geneva has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 9.5 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Wayne struggles in that department as they've been averaging 9.1 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Geneva suffered a grim 8-0 defeat to Wayne in their previous meeting on Tuesday. Will the Panthers have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other baseball content.
