Softball Recap: Independence Picks Up Eighth Consecutive Victory

Patriots

Margin (Wins)

03/21/25 vs Rocky River	16
03/03/25 @ Mallard Creek	16
02/25/25 vs South Mecklenburg	16
03/21/25 vs Rocky River	15
04/03/25 vs West Cabarrus	14

Independence came tearing into Thursday's game with seven straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 9.3 runs), and they left with even more momentum. They blew past the West Cabarrus Wolverines 15-1. The result was nothing new for the Patriots, who have now won nine contests by ten runs or more so far this season.

Maliyah Alexander made a big impact no matter where she played. She struck out nine batters over five innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in four consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring two runs while going 3-for-4. What's more, she posted three RBI, the most she's had since back in February.

In other batting news, Independence got a massive performance out of Gianna McCloud, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI. That home run marked the first that McCloud launched this season. Another player making a difference was Natalie Johnson, who scored two runs while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances.

Independence was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .538. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .304 or higher in seven consecutive matchups.

Independence pushed their record up to 13-2 with the victory, which was their eighth straight at home. The home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 0.6 runs on average over those games. As for West Cabarrus, they have been struggling recently as they've lost five of their last six games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 4-7 record this season.

Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Independence will take on Garinger at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. The Wildcats have struggled to contain batters this season (they've allowed 19.5 runs per game on average), something the Patriots will no doubt try to take advantage of. As for West Cabarrus, they will square off against Hickory Ridge at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. The Wolverines' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Ragin' Bulls have averaged an impressive 6.2 runs per game this season.