The Buchanan Bears will challenge the Clovis West Golden Eagles at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (Buchanan 3.4, Clovis West 2.1) so any runs scored will be well earned.
Buchanan and Central faced off in a Battle of the Bears on Tuesday. The Bears fell just short of the Grizzlies by a score of 3-2.
Brooklyn Ainsworth spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned runs on six hits and racked up seven Ks. She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than two walks any time she's pitched this season.
On the hitting side, Natalee Gant made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went 2-for-3 with one triple, one run, and one RBI. That triple marked the first that she hit this season.
Meanwhile, Clovis West entered their game against Clovis East on Tuesday without any home losses, but there's a first time for everything. The Golden Eagles fell just short of the Timberwolves by a score of 4-3. The home team had taken home the W every time these teams have met since May 4, 2023, but that streak is no more.
Clovis West also let their pitcher toss all seven innings and she was also dialed-in: Aliya Swillis gave up four runs (all of which were unearned) on seven hits.
At the plate, Sophie Sullins was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-3 with one home run. Haley Rangel was another key player, going 1-for-3 with one home run.
Clovis West's loss dropped their record down to 11-3-1. As for Buchanan, their defeat dropped their record down to 13-4.
Both the two teams just can't seem to miss. Buchanan has been making plenty of contact this season, having averaged 9.5 hits per game. However, it's not like Clovis West struggles in that department as they've been averaging only 4.5 hits. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Buchanan beat Clovis West 6-3 in their previous matchup back in May of 2024. Will the Bears repeat their success, or do the Golden Eagles have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
