South Harrison is 0-4 against Ritchie County since April of 2024 but things could change on Monday. The Hawks will challenge the Rebels at 6:00 p.m. South Harrison is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.5 runs per game this season.
South Harrison was handed a 12-run loss in their previous outing, but that didn't affect their clutch gene on Thursday. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 7-6 victory over Robert C. Byrd. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Hawks have posted since April 12th.
Ava Louk
| 05/01/25 vs Robert C. Byrd | 17 |
| 04/29/25 @ Clay County | 13 |
| 04/28/25 vs Elkins | 10 |
| 04/24/25 @ Williamstown | 11 |
| 04/22/25 vs Braxton County | 6 |
| + 2 more games |
Ava Louk made a big impact no matter where she played. She struck out 17 batters over nine innings while giving up just one earned (and five unearned) runs off one hit. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in seven consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 3-for-6 with four stolen bases, four RBI, and two runs. That's the most stolen bases she has posted since back in April of 2024.
In other batting news, Riley Myers was excellent, going 1-for-5 with one home run and two runs. Gabby Davis was another key player, getting on base in four of her six plate appearances with three runs.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Ritchie County). Their pitcher stepped up to hand Braxton County a 26-0 shutout on Wednesday. The victory was nothing new for the Rebels as they're now sitting on three straight.
Like South Harrison, Ritchie County also got a great game from a two-way player: Rocklyn Marcum. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out ten batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and not a single walk). Marcum was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in four of her five plate appearances with four stolen bases, four runs, and one double.
In other batting news, Ritchie County let Chelsie Jeffrey and Kila Frymier run wild. Jeffrey went a perfect 2-for-2 with two triples, three runs, and four RBI, while Frymier went a perfect 4-for-4 with seven RBI, two runs, and one double. Those triples marked the first that Jeffrey has hit this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Lillian Monn, who went 3-for-4 with four runs, two RBI, and one double.
Ritchie County kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 16 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits in three consecutive games.
South Harrison pushed their record up to 8-12 with the win, which was their fourth straight at home. The home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.0 runs over those games. As for Ritchie County, their record is now 15-4-1.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Monday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. South Harrison has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Ritchie County struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.2 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
South Harrison might still be hurting after the 8-0 defeat they got from Ritchie County in their previous meeting back in April. Can the Hawks avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
