Softball Preview: Antwerp Archers vs. Hilltop Cadets
Antwerp is 1-6 against Hilltop since May of 2017 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Friday. The Antwerp Archers will be playing in front of their home fans against the Hilltop Cadets at 5:00 p.m.
Antwerp's hitters might be in the hot seat on Friday considering what happened against Tinora on Thursday. They lost 6-0 to the Rams. Antwerp has now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Elle Clem spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered four earned (and two unearned) runs on eight hits and racked up 14 Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in seven consecutive pitching appearances.
Meanwhile, in what's become a running theme this season, Hilltop gave their fans yet another huge victory on Thursday. They never let Pettisville onto the board and left with a 10-0 win. That's two games straight that Hilltop has won by exactly ten runs.
Giada Rising made a splash no matter where she played. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run while striking out nine over six innings pitched. Rising was also big at the plate, scoring a run while going 2-for-3.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Halle Jones, who scored three runs and stole three bases while going 1-for-3. Shealyn Brown was another key contributor, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 2-for-4.
Antwerp's defeat dropped their record down to 5-5. As for Hilltop, they have been performing incredibly well recently as they've won 12 of their last 14 contests, which provided a nice bump to their 14-5 record this season.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Antwerp has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Hilltop struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8.6. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Antwerp came up short against Hilltop when the teams last played back in May of 2022, falling 5-0. Will Antwerp have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
