The Deep Creek Hornets will face off against the Grassfield Grizzlies at 5:45 p.m. on Thursday. Deep Creek is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 9.3 runs per game this season.
On Tuesday, Deep Creek earned a 6-2 win over Nansemond River. The Hornets haven't had any issues with the Warriors recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive victory against them.
Lilly B made a splash no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out nine batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off seven hits (and not a single walk). 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 2-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
In other batting news, Deep Creek let Bailey Cockrell and Hannah Liddell run wild. Cockrell went a perfect 3-for-3 with one run and one RBI, while Liddell went 1-for-4 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run. That's the most RBI Liddell has posted since back in March.
Deep Creek hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. The team has now struck out at least three batters in ten consecutive matches.
Meanwhile, Grassfield faced Hickory in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Wednesday. The Grizzlies fell 7-3 to the Hawks.
EG Hatcher was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-4 with one home run. The team also got some help courtesy of Cydney Lafon, who went 1-for-4 with one home run.
Grassfield's loss ended a 13-game streak of away wins dating back to last season and brought them to 12-3. As for Deep Creek, their win bumped their record up to 10-5.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Deep Creek has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.8 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Grassfield struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.9 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
