The Avon Orioles will take on the Pendleton Heights Arabians at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. Avon is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.2 runs per game this season.
Avon will roll into the match after a wild two-game stretch: they didn't score any runs on Tuesday, then bounced right back against Columbus East on Thursday. The Orioles put the hurt on the Olympians with a sharp 14-3 victory.
Brinley Pope was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she tossed four innings while giving up three earned runs off four hits. She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 11 consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with one triple and one RBI.
In other batting news, Avon got a massive performance out of Lilly Heath, who went 3-for-4 with three runs, two doubles, and one stolen base. That's the most hits Heath has posted since back in April. Zoey Chavez was another key player, going 1-for-3 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one double.
Avon was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .481. That's the best batting average they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Pendleton Heights was not able to break out of their rough patch on Thursday as the team picked up their third straight defeat. They might be feeling deja-vu: they lost 4-3 to New Palestine, which was the same score (and result) they got the week prior.
Morgan Bricker spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered four earned runs on ten hits.
At the plate, Kaylee Smith made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went 1-for-3 with one home run. Another player making a difference was Grace Fisher, who went 1-for-3 with one stolen base and one run.
Pendleton Heights' loss dropped their record down to 10-13. As for Avon, their win bumped their record up to 6-15.
Saturday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Avon hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .324. However, it's not like Pendleton Heights struggles in that department as they've averaged .321. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.
