The Keyser Golden Tornado will square off against the Jefferson Cougars at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Keyser is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.3 runs per game this season.
Keyser's pitching crew heads into the matchup hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Wednesday. They blew past Berkeley Springs 17-0. The home team had taken home the W every time these teams have met since April 18, 2023, but that streak is no more.
Leighton Johnson made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she kept things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out ten over four innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two hits in four consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, scoring a run while going 2-for-4. That's the most hits she has posted since back in March.
In other batting news, Ivy Bromhal was a standout: she scored three runs and stole a base while going 3-for-4. That's the most runs she has posted since back in April of 2024. Another player making a difference was Bibs Felton, who went 2-for-3 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI.
Keyser always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .686. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Jefferson faced Morgantown in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Saturday. The Cougars narrowly escaped with a victory as the team sidled past the Mohigans 2-0. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Cougars have posted since March 28th.
The result came thanks to Becca Munslow's shutout, as she gave up just a hit and racked up 16 Ks.
At the plate, Jefferson saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Brooke Allen, who scored a run while going 1-for-3.
Keyser's victory bumped their record up to 7-4. As for Jefferson, their win bumped their record up to 9-2.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Keyser has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Jefferson struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 10.4 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Keyser might still be hurting after the 13-4 loss they got from Jefferson when the teams last played back in April of 2024. Can the Golden Tornado avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
