This content has been archived. It may no longer be relevant
Martinsburg (15-1)
Expectations were heightened for the Bulldogs coming into the 2024 season and so far those expectations have been met. Martinsburg’s average margin of victory has been over 7 runs through their first 16 games. A well constructed line up finds Martinsburg hitting just north of .360 as a team, highlighted by the speed of Isaac Grove at the top, and the run producing ability of Christian Alter, Braeden Oviedo, Brayden Edwards, and Ben Reisenweber scattered throughout.
As a pitching staff, the Bulldogs boast more shutouts (4) than games allowing more than 4 runs (3). Carson Boober leads the line, allowing just 7 earned runs through 25 innings of work accented by 28 punchouts, Lane Delauter is also averaging over a strikeout an inning.
https://x.com/MetroNewsPrep/status/1777921264755114180
Jefferson (7-5)
A small drop off in run production (7.3 runs per game this season, 7.8 last) has been overshadowed by Jefferson allowing more runs on average than they did a season a go (5 runs a game this year compared to 2.2 last). Of the 60 runs the Cougars have allowed, 21 have been unearned as they’ve committed 28 errors.
However, under the direction of John Lowery, and the fact that Jefferson is getting healthier as the season goes on, Shenandoah Junction is still brimming with optimism in their ball club. Riley Morgan (.429 avg, 15 runs scored) is tearing the cover off the ball and Cohen Rutherford (20.1 innings pitched, 34 strike outs, 2.75 era) has developed as one of the top arms in the EPAC.
Musselman (8-6)
Run support has been spotty for the Appleman who average nearly 10 runs in their wins and 3.7 in their losses but when the boys are on, they’re on. 7 different players are hitting over 300 topped by Kyle Lore’s .576 average and 11 steals.
Conner Chancey (2.76 era) and Kai Dunbar (2.38 era) have soaked up over half of the innings in Inwood this season but the rest of the Applemen pitching staff has a 6.00 era as they look to fill out the rest of their rotation.
Washington (8-6)
https://x.com/DWoodsOnAir/status/1777877532089385035
Last season it took Washington 20 games to get to 8 victories, this year just 14. Connor Smith (.500), Cooper Shillingburg (.375), Sven Dupree (.370), Jaymason Earl (.367) pose some serious firepower atop the lineup for the Pats who have also swiped 39 bases.
Washington’s team era sits just below 5, though Smith and Shillingburg have become quality front line arms. Unearned runs have also plagued the Patriots who have committed 34 errors.
Hedgesville (7-7)
Last year’s state tournament participant has relied heavily on new faces in new places for success this season. Ein Wolfe has 6 multi-hit games that has amassed a .385 average, Noah Brown has swiped 10 bags and solidified the shortstop position, and Connor Quinn has driven in 12.
On the mound Mason Elliot has entered the conversation as one of the top arms in the EPAC averaging over a punch out an inning and a sub 2 earned run average.
https://x.com/EPSportsNetwork/status/1778110486073995435
Spring Mills (3-10)
The Cardinals have been on the wrong end of several close games this season, losing 5 contests decided by 2 runs or less. Bryce Anders has been a major offensive spark hitting .410 and scoring 10 runs for Spring Mills and also has the lowest era of those who have pitched more than an inning.
JP Sweeney and Brandon Montgomery have both shown the ability to miss bats but still hope their best stuff is ahead of them as the Red Birds look for a second half surge.
