Softball Preview: Stratford Academy Eagles vs. George Walton Academy Bulldogs
The Stratford Academy Eagles will take on the George Walton Academy Bulldogs at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. The timing isn't great for Stratford Academy: they have been struggling with four straight losses at home, while George Walton Academy has snatched up six consecutive wins on the road.
Stratford Academy will bounce into Saturday's match after beating Piedmont Academy, who they hadn't topped in three consecutive meetings. Stratford Academy had just enough and edged Piedmont Academy out 9-8.
Cordtney Galioa made a splash while hitting and pitching. She didn't allow a single earned run while striking out six over five innings pitched. Galioa was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Graci Kluge, who went 2-for-4 with a home run and five RBI. Another player making a difference was Hayden Craddock, who scored two runs while going 2-for-4.
Stratford Academy didn't let batters stay on the plate for long and finished the game with eight strikeouts. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Piedmont Academy only tossed four.
Meanwhile, George Walton Academy was able to grind out a solid victory over Bethlehem Christian Academy on Thursday, taking the game 11-7.
Like Stratford Academy, George Walton Academy also got a great game from a two-way player: Erin Harrelson. On the mound, she tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs off four hits. Harrelson has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive pitching appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with a home run, three RBI, and two runs.
In other batting news, Khyler Hannay and Demere Gray did most of the damage at the plate: Hannay went 1-for-4 with three RBI, two runs, and a triple, while Gray scored three runs and stole two bases while getting on base in four of her five plate appearances. What's more, Gray also posted a .800 OBP, which is the highestshe's posted since back in October of 2023. Another player making a difference was Gisele Sorrow, who went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI.
Stratford Academy's win bumped their record up to 10-7. As for George Walton Academy, their victory bumped their record up to 13-4.
Saturday's game will be a test for both team's pitchers. Stratford Academy hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of 0. However, it's not like George Walton Academy 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.
Stratford Academy suffered a grim 16-6 defeat to George Walton Academy in their previous meeting back in October of 2023. Will Stratford Academy have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
