The Moniteau Warriors will head out on the road to challenge the Cranberry Area Berries at 4:15 p.m. on Monday. Moniteau is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.1 runs per game this season.
Having struggled with three losses in a row, Moniteau turned things around against Lakeview on Friday. They blew past the Sailors 9-2.
Lexi Mcghee made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out eight over four innings pitched. Mcghee was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with two RBI and one double.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Lily Staab, who fired off two home runs, five RBI, and three runs while going 3-for-4. Sydney Dematteis also deserves some recognition as she hit her first double of the season.
Meanwhile, Cranberry Area came tearing into Friday's match with five straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 9.4 runs), and they left with even more momentum. They never let the Orioles get on the board and left with a 15-0 victory. The game marked the Berries' most dominant win of the season.
Like Moniteau, Cranberry Area also got a great game from a two-way player: Kellie Schnieder. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run over four innings pitched. Schnieder has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI.
In other batting news, Ashylyn McWilliams was a standout: she went a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. Avery Coe was another key player, going 2-for-3 with one home run, two runs, and one stolen base.
Cranberry Area always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .645. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their OBP total in four consecutive contests.
Moniteau's record now sits at 3-7. As for Cranberry Area, their record is now 7-3.
Monday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Moniteau hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .321. However, it's not like Cranberry Area struggles in that department as they've averaged .422. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Moniteau came up short against Cranberry Area in their previous matchup back in April of 2024, falling 6-2. Can the Warriors avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
