Bethlehem hasn't had much luck against Holmes County recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Wildcats will challenge the Blue Devils at 4:30 p.m. Bethlehem is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.6 runs per game this season.
Bethlehem is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Monday. They were the clear victors by an 8-2 margin over Vernon. Surprisingly, this marked the Wildcats' third straight game in which the away team has come away the victor.
Mackenzie Saporito
| 04/28/25 @ Vernon | 1 |
| 04/22/25 vs Vernon | 1 |
| 04/22/25 vs Vernon | 1 |
| 04/17/25 @ Cottondale | 1 |
Mackenzie Saporito spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and one unearned) run on four hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in four consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Abigale Brannon, who got on base in two of her five plate appearances with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run. Peyton Carrol also deserves some recognition as she scored her first run of the season.
Meanwhile, Holmes County narrowly escaped with a victory as the squad sidled past Arnold 4-2.
Bri Adams made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She struck out 11 batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off six hits (and not a single walk). Adams was also solid in the batter's box, going a perfect 2-for-2 with three stolen bases, one run, and one RBI. Those three stolen bases gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, Ava Jones was excellent, going 2-for-3 with one home run and two RBI.
Holmes County has been performing well recently as they've won seven of their last nine games. That's provided a nice bump to their 16-8 record this season. The wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.1 runs on average over those games. As for Bethlehem, their victory ended a three-game drought on the road and puts them at 5-10.
Bethlehem's speedy runners might be the difference in Tuesday's matchup. The Wildcats have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.4 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Holmes County, though, as they've been averaging only 1.4 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Bethlehem continue to outrun the ball?
Bethlehem might still be hurting after the 16-1 defeat they got from Holmes County when the teams last played back in March of 2020. Can the Wildcats avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
