Butler is 0-3 against Eastern since May of 2017 but things could change on Friday. The Bears will face off against the Eagles at 6:00 p.m. After the two teams made easy work of their previous opponents, one won't be so lucky on Friday.
Having struggled with five defeats in a row, Butler turned things around against Brown on Monday. They blew past Brown 9-2.
Gracelee Sharp was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out six batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off four hits (and not a single walk). Sharp was also stellar in the batter's box, firing off three triples, three runs, and one stolen base while going 3-for-4. Those triples marked the first that she has hit this season.
Kierra ?Ki-Ki? Robbins
| 04/13/26 vs Brown | 2 |
| 03/27/26 @ Mercy | 1 |
| 03/26/26 vs Fairdale | 1 |
| 03/25/26 vs Ballard | 1 |
| 03/19/26 @ Southern | 1 |
In other batting news, Butler got a big performance out of Kierra ?Ki-Ki? Robbins, who went 2-for-4 with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base. Those two hits gave Robbins a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Jenicca Alexander, who went 1-for-3 with two runs and one triple.
Fans were treated to a battle of the Eagles on Thursday. Eastern was the clear victor by a 13-3 margin over Portland Christian. Considering Eastern has won 11 matchups by more than five runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.
Ava Newell looked comfortable as she pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs off three hits. She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Kelsey Davis was a standout: she went a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run, five RBI, and one double. Payton Roberts was another key player, going a perfect 4-for-4 with three stolen bases, one triple, and two RBI.
Eastern always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .645. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Portland Christian only posted an OBP of .318.
Butler's record now sits at 3-9. As for Eastern, their record is now 17-5.
Butler couldn't quite get it done against Eastern in their previous meeting back in March of 2023 as they fell 6-1. Can the Bears avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
