The Big Walnut Golden Eagles will head out to take on the Bishop Hartley Hawks at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Big Walnut is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 9.4 runs per game this season.
Big Walnut had to skate by with only a one-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the 12-run drubbing they dealt Westerville South on Monday. The Golden Eagles put the hurt on the Wildcats with a sharp 16-4 win. The Golden Eagles haven't had any issues with the Wildcats recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive victory against them.
Kennedy Reed made a splash no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching three innings while giving up just one earned run off four hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in ten consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with one run and one RBI.
In other batting news, Big Walnut got a massive performance out of Myka Marriott, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with three runs and two doubles. That's the most doubles Marriott has posted over her last 13 contests. Another player making a difference was Sarah Adams, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one triple, two RBI, and one run.
Big Walnut hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. They are a perfect 4-0 when they post two or more strikeouts.
Meanwhile, Bishop Hartley waltzed into their matchup on Wednesday with three straight wins... but they left with four. They walked away with a 6-2 win over the Eagles.
Jasmine Wooten spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and one unearned) run on five hits and racked up seven Ks.
On the hitting side, Morgan Bailey was incredible, firing off two home runs, three runs, and three RBI while going 3-for-3.
Bishop Hartley pushed their record up to 10-2 with the victory, which was their third straight at home. The home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.7 runs on average over those games. As for Big Walnut, they now have a winning record of 8-7.
Tuesday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Big Walnut hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .347. However, it's not like Bishop Hartley struggles in that department as they've averaged .417. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Big Walnut couldn't quite finish off Bishop Hartley in their previous meeting back in May of 2024 and fell 7-5. Can the Golden Eagles avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
