Steelton-Highspire is 0-7 against Susquehanna Township since May of 2017 but things could change on Tuesday. The Steamrollers will look to defend their home field against the HANNA at 4:15 p.m. After the two teams made easy work of their previous opponents, one won't be so lucky on Tuesday.
Steelton-Highspire is headed in fresh off scoring the most runs they have all season. They blew past La Academia Charter 23-4 on Thursday. The high-scoring effort was just what the Steamrollers needed considering they were shut out in their previous match.
Ni'Shaun Ward-McMullen was a standout: he got on base in all four of his plate appearances with one home run, five stolen bases, and four runs. The dominant performance also gave him a new career-high in RBI (five). Another player making a difference was Shawn Williams, who got on base in all four of his plate appearances with five stolen bases, four runs, and one triple.
Steelton-Highspire was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .438. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their batting average total in three consecutive games.
While Susquehanna Township didn't have the best season last year (they finished 8-11), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. They were the clear victors by a 17-2 margin over Harrisburg on Monday. The HANNA might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won four contests by eight runs or more this season.
Jacole Pate was a major factor no matter where he played. On the mound, he struck out nine batters over four innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off one hit. Pate was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in four of his five plate appearances with one stolen base and one RBI.
In other batting news, Torin Evans was incredible, going a perfect 5-for-5 with one home run, four runs, and three RBI. Gavin Miller was another key player, going 3-for-4 with three RBI, two runs, and one double.
Susquehanna Township's win was their fourth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 6-3. Those road victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.8 runs on average over those games. As for Steelton-Highspire, their win (their first of the season) made their record 1-8.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Tuesday as neither team is afraid to steal. Steelton-Highspire has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 5.6 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Susquehanna Township struggles in that department as they've been averaging 3.3 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Steelton-Highspire might still be hurting after the 15-0 defeat they got from Susquehanna Township when the teams last played back in March. Will the Steamrollers have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
