The McMichael Phoenix will challenge the Rockingham County Cougars at 6:00 p.m. on Monday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Rockingham County will be up against a hot McMichael squad: the team just extended their winning streak to three. McMichael's pitcher stepped up to hand T.W. Andrews a 19-0 shutout on Friday. The Phoenix's hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Kora Ingle made a splash while hitting and pitching. She struck out six batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits (and not a single walk). She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in four consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 1-for-2 with four RBI, one triple, and one run. That triple marked the first that she hit this season.
In other batting news, McMichael got a big performance out of Lylan Gravely, who scored two runs while going 1-for-3. Those runs marked the first that Gravely scored this season. Kayleigh Gainey was another key player, scoring three runs while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances.
McMichael hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now struck out at most one strikeouts in three consecutive matches.
The home team had won the previous three meetings between Rockingham County and High Point Central, and Rockingham County kept the tradition alive. Everything went Rockingham County's way against High Point Central on Friday as Rockingham County made off with a 16-0 victory. The Cougars haven't had any issues with the Bison recently, as the game was their eighth consecutive win against them.
Ava Grace Pruitt was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out nine batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and not a single walk). Pruitt was also solid in the batter's box, scoring three runs while going 1-for-2.
In other batting news, Macey Hardy was a standout: she scored two runs while going 3-for-3. What's more, she posted two doubles, the most she's had since back in April of 2024. Another player making a difference was Lily Strittmatter, who scored two runs while going 2-for-2.
Rockingham County's victory bumped their record up to 4-1. As for McMichael, their win bumped their record up to 8-1.
Monday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. McMichael hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .357. However, it's not like Rockingham County struggles in that department as they've averaged .479. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Everything went McMichael's way against Rockingham County in their previous matchup last Thursday, as McMichael made off with a 15-4 victory. Does McMichael have another victory up their sleeve, or will Rockingham County turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
