The Payton College Prep Grizzlies will square off against the ITW David Speer Academy Pride at 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday. Payton College Prep is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.5 runs per game this season.
Payton College Prep was handed a ten-run defeat in their previous outing, but that didn't affect their clutch gene on Monday. They came out on top in a nail-biter against Lincoln Park, sneaking past 4-2. The game was the first time the Grizzlies have beaten the Lions on their field since May 10, 2021.
Derek Patton spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered only one earned (and one unearned) run on seven hits and racked up ten Ks. Payton College Prep is 3-1 when Patton allows one or fewer earned runs, but 8-14 otherwise.
Augie Ruf
| 04/29/25 @ Whitney Young | 4 |
| 04/04/25 vs Kennedy | 3 |
| 05/05/25 @ Lincoln Park | 2 |
| 04/30/25 vs Ogden International | 2 |
| 04/08/25 @ Taft | 2 |
| + 7 more games |
At the plate, Payton College Prep's win was truly a team effort as three different players contributed at least one hit. One of them was Augie Ruf, who went 2-for-3 with two runs. Ruf is becoming a predictor of the Grizzlies' success: when he posts at least two runs the team is 5-1 (and 6-14 when he doesn't).
Meanwhile, after soaring to 12 runs the game before, ITW David Speer Academy was a bit more limited in their matchup on Saturday. They lost 11-1 to Holy Trinity. The Pride have struggled against the Tigers recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive lost meeting.
Payton College Prep's victory bumped their record up to 11-15. As for ITW David Speer Academy, their loss dropped their record down to 8-8.
Tuesday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Payton College Prep has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .435. However, it's not like ITW David Speer Academy struggles in that department as they've averaged .466. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Payton College Prep took their win against ITW David Speer Academy in their previous meeting back in May of 2024 by a conclusive 10-0 score. Do the Grizzlies have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Pride turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
