vs
| 04/10/19 - Away | 8-1 W |
| 05/03/18 - Away | 18-5 W |
| 04/12/18 - Home | 19-3 W |
| 04/13/17 - Away | 22-9 W |
| 05/05/16 - Away | 22-2 W |
| + 3 more games |
Shadle Park is a perfect 8-0 against Ferris since April of 2015 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Thursday. The Highlanders will be playing in front of their home fans against the Saxons at 4:00 p.m. After the two teams made easy work of their previous opponents, one won't be so lucky on Thursday.
Last Friday, Shadle Park made easy work of Gonzaga Prep and carried off a 21-11 victory. The win continues a trend for the Highlanders in their matchups with the Bullpups: they've now won four in a row.
McKenzie Duncan made a big impact no matter where she played. On the mound, she pitched six innings while giving up just one earned (and ten unearned) runs off ten hits. Duncan was also big at the plate, scoring two runs while getting on base in two of her five plate appearances.
In other batting news, Shadle Park got a massive performance out of Madi Keon, who went a perfect 5-for-5 with five RBI, three doubles, and two runs. That's the most hits Keon has posted since back in April of 2024. Abby Smith was another key player, scoring four runs and stealing two bases while getting on base in five of her six plate appearances.
Shadle Park always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .708. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their OBP total in three consecutive games.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Ferris, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Monday. They were the clear victors by an 18-3 margin over Gonzaga Prep on Wednesday. Considering the Saxons have won three matches by more than 12 runs this season, Wednesday's blowout was nothing new.
Like Shadle Park, Ferris also got a great game from a two-way player: Frankie Schone. She struck out six batters over five innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off five hits (and only one walk). Schone has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring three runs and stealing two bases while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances. Those stolen bases were her first of the season.
In other batting news, Tori Norling was a standout: she went 2-for-4 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. Those runs marked the first that she scored this season. Another player making a difference was Donyelle Strauss, who scored two runs and stole four bases while going 2-for-3.
Shadle Park now has a winning record of 4-3. As for Ferris, their victory ended a three-game drought at home dating back to last season and bumped them up to 3-5-1.
Thursday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Shadle Park hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .376. However, it's not like Ferris struggles in that department as they've averaged .320. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Shadle Park took their win against Ferris in their previous meeting back in April of 2019 by a conclusive 8-1 score. Do the Highlanders have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Saxons turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
