The Middle College Bulldogs will challenge the Memphis Central Warriors at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Middle College has given up an average of 11.7 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
On Wednesday, Middle College came up short against Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering and fell 12-8.
Jordan Stevens made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and scored two runs and stole four bases while going 1-for-1. Shawn Herring was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing four bases while getting on base in both of his plate appearances.
Meanwhile, Memphis Central entered their tilt with Whitehaven on Wednesday with five consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with six. They blew past the Tigers 21-1. The result was nothing new for the Warriors, who have now won seven contests by seven runs or more so far this season.
Joshua Thurmon was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in three consecutive appearances. He was even better at the plate, scoring four runs and stealing five bases while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances. Those four runs gave him a new career-high.
In other batting news, Memphis Central got a massive performance out of Patrick Ryan, who scored three runs and stole four bases while going 2-for-3. Those four stolen bases gave Ryan a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Joshua Hollowell, who went 2-for-4 with four RBI, one triple, and one stolen base.
Memphis Central always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .714. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Whitehaven only posted an OBP of .333.
Memphis Central's win was their third straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 11-3. The road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 15.7 runs over those games. As for Middle College, their defeat dropped their record down to 2-7.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Thursday as neither team is afraid to steal. Middle College has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 7.3 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Memphis Central struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.5 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Middle College suffered a grim 18-3 defeat to Memphis Central in their previous matchup back in March. Will the Bulldogs have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more baseball content.
