Eastside Catholic hasn't had much luck against Holy Names Academy recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Crusaders will head out on the road to challenge Holy Names Academy at 4:00 p.m. Eastside Catholic has given up an average of 9.6 runs per game this season, but Tuesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Eastside Catholic managed to slip by Garfield the last time these teams faced off, but didn't have those same answers this time around. The Crusaders lost 15-4 to the Bulldogs on Friday. The Crusaders just can't catch a break and have now endured five defeats in a row.
Queen Tone was cooking despite her team's loss, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 1-for-1.
Meanwhile, Holy Names Academy waltzed into their contest on Friday with two straight wins... but they left with three. They blew past West Seattle 12-3. Considering Holy Names Academy has won four matchups by more than eight runs this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.
Frannie Gimbl made a big impact no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing seven innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off seven hits. Those hits were her first of the season. She was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs while going 1-for-3.
In other batting news, Lee Smedstad was incredible, scoring four runs and stealing a base while going 4-for-4. She is on a roll when it comes to hits, as she's now got three or more in each of the last three games she's played. Cora Hardenbrook was another key player, going 2-for-4 with four RBI, one stolen base, and one run.
Holy Names Academy's record now sits at 5-7. As for Eastside Catholic, their loss dropped their record down to 4-9.
Tuesday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Eastside Catholic hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .314. However, it's not like Holy Names Academy struggles in that department as they've averaged .375. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Eastside Catholic suffered a grim 12-2 defeat to Holy Names Academy when the teams last played back in April of 2024. Can the Crusaders avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
