Parker and Riverside are an even 5-5 against one another since March of 2018, but likely not for long. Parker will head out to square off against Riverside at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Parker is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.1 runs per game this season.
Parker made up a huge gap compared to their last game against Westside, but they still couldn't quite topple them. Parker's pitcher stepped up to hand Westside an 18-0 shutout on Tuesday. The game was the first time the Braves have beaten the Wolverines on their field since March 9, 2018.
Marcus Johnson was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out eight over four innings pitched. That's the fewest hits he has allowed since back in February. He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs while going 1-for-3.
Yaxiel Santiago
| 03/25/25 @ Westside | 3 |
| 03/18/25 vs Concord Christian | 2 |
| 03/04/25 vs Cedar Creek Christian | 2 |
| 02/28/25 vs Ribault | 2 |
| 02/21/25 vs Raines | 2 |
In other batting news, Yaxiel Santiago was a standout: he scored three runs while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances. Those three runs gave him a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Xaydrien McGriff, who scored two runs and stole a base while getting on base in two of his four plate appearances.
Parker hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now struck out at most five strikeouts in six consecutive contests.
Meanwhile, Riverside was not able to break out of their rough patch on Monday as the team picked up their sixth straight loss. They fell 8-5 to Parker.
Rylan Covington made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and scored a run while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances. He also hit a double, marking his first of the season. Adrian Gonzalez was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-3.
Parker has been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 9-7 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.3 runs over those games. Riverside's defeat dropped their record down to 1-12.
Wednesday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Parker has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .487. However, it's not like Riverside struggles in that department as they've averaged .490. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Parker beat Riverside 8-5 when the teams last played on Monday. The rematch might be a little tougher for Parker since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
