Rock Ridge and John Champe are an even 4-4 against one another since March of 2016, but likely not for long. After both having extra time off, the two teams will shake off the rust and duke it out at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Rock Ridge is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.3 runs per game this season.
Rock Ridge will roll into the contest after a wild two-game stretch: they only put up one run last Wednesday, then bounced right back against Park View last Thursday. The Phoenix's pitcher stepped up to hand the Patriots a 17-0 shutout. The victory continues a trend for the Phoenix in their matchups with the Patriots: they've now won three in a row.
Riya Cherukuri
| 04/10/25 @ Park View | 10 |
| 04/03/25 @ Falls Church | 5 |
| 04/02/25 @ Meridian | 8 |
| 03/26/25 @ Justice | 7 |
Riya Cherukuri was a major factor no matter where she played. She didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out ten over five innings pitched. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in four consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, getting on base in all five of her plate appearances with three runs, one triple, and two RBI.
In other batting news, Kyra Young was incredible, getting on base in all five of her plate appearances with one home run, four runs, and one stolen base. That home run was her first of the season. Sahasra Abbineni was another key player, going 2-for-4 with two doubles, two RBI, and one run.
Meanwhile, John Champe was not able to break out of their rough patch last Thursday as the team picked up their seventh straight loss dating back to last season. They came up short against Lightridge, falling 12-1.
John Champe saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Lily Perez, who went 2-for-3 with one run and one double.
John Champe's defeat dropped their record down to 0-5. As for Rock Ridge, their record now sits at 4-6.
John Champe's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Rock Ridge has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .446. It's a different story for John Champe, though, as they've only averaged .289. Will they be able to contain Rock Ridge's hitters?
Rock Ridge suffered a grim 10-0 defeat to John Champe in their previous meeting back in April of 2024. Can the Phoenix avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
