Softball Recap: Pusch Ridge Christian Academy Victorious

It may have taken nine innings to finish the job, but Pusch Ridge Christian Academy ultimately got the result they hoped for on Tuesday. They skirted past the Thatcher Eagles 9-8. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Lions have posted since April 9, 2024.

Josie Burnside

Batters Struck Out

03/25/25 @ Thatcher	12
03/22/25 vs Santa Cruz Valley	4
03/21/25 vs Globe	6
03/21/25 vs ALA - West Foothills	2
03/21/25 vs Estrella Foothills	7
+ 11 more games

Josie Burnside was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She struck out 12 batters over seven innings while giving up four earned (and four unearned) runs off three hits. That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in March of 2024. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 4-for-5 with four runs, two triples, and one RBI.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Hannah DeBake, who scored two runs while going 2-for-5. Carolina Diaz also deserves some recognition as she snagged her first stolen base of the season.

Pusch Ridge Christian Academy's win was their third straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 6-5. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 15.3 runs over those games. As for Thatcher, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost three of their last four games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 8-8 record this season.

Pusch Ridge Christian Academy will welcome Walden Grove at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday. As for Thatcher, it'll be a Battle of the Birds when Thatcher Eagles face off against Rio Rico Hawks at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday.