Softball Preview: The Academy Wildcats vs. Strasburg Indians
The Academy hasn't had much luck against Strasburg recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Academy Wildcats will take on the Strasburg Indians at 4:00 p.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Strasburg is hoping to do what Jefferson Academy couldn't on Tuesday: put an end to The Academy's winning streak, which now stands at three games. The Academy was the clear victor by a 20-1 margin over Jefferson Academy.
Leyla Martin made a splash while hitting and pitching. She pitched two innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in three consecutive pitching appearances. She was even better at the plate, going 1-for-2 with three runs, a triple, and two RBI.
In other batting news, Victoria Pearson was incredible, scoring three runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-3. The team also got some help courtesy of Mackenzie Pearson, who scored two runs while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances.
Perhaps unsurprisingly given the score, The Academy was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .500. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .300 or higher in five consecutive matchups.
Meanwhile, the third road match was the charm for Strasburg, as they earned their first road win of the season. They blew past Resurrection Christian 14-2 on Tuesday.
Kailey Rushman spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned runs on five hits and racked up 11 Ks. That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in August of 2023.
At the plate, Strasburg let Savanah Bradley and Addi Kent loose on the outfield. Bradley got on base in all four of her plate appearances with a home run and three RBI, while Kent scored two runs while getting on base in four of her five plate appearances. The team also got some help courtesy of Rachel Rupple, who scored two runs while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances.
The Academy's record is now 9-2. As for Strasburg, their record now sits at 8-4.
Thursday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. The Academy has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of 0. However, it's not like Strasburg struggles in that department as they've averaged 0. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
The Academy came up short against Strasburg in their previous matchup back in September of 2023, falling 12-9. Can The Academy avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
