Softball Game Preview: Kennedy Trojans vs. Salem Academy Crusaders

The Kennedy Trojans will challenge the Salem Academy Crusaders at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Kennedy is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 11.4 runs per game this season.

Kennedy made up a huge gap compared to their last game against Country Christian, but they still couldn't quite topple them. The Trojans put the hurt on the Cougars with a sharp 11-1 victory on Friday. Considering the Trojans have won three games by more than nine runs this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.

Grace Traeger

Batters Struck Out

04/04/25 vs Country Christian	8
04/03/25 vs Knappa	1
04/02/25 vs Colton	1
03/19/25 vs Gervais	11
03/18/25 @ Santiam	5

Grace Traeger made a splash while hitting and pitching. She struck out eight batters over 5.2 innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off six hits (and not a single walk). With that strong performance, she is now averaging an impressive 5.2 strikeouts per game. She was also big at the plate, scoring three runs and stealing two bases while going 2-for-4. That's the most stolen bases she has posted since back in April of 2024.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Brianna Traeger, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with two triples, four RBI, and one run. That's the most hits she has posted since back in April of 2024. Another player making a difference was Sesen Walker, who scored a run and stole a base while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances.

Kennedy always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .568. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Country Christian only posted an OBP of .240.

Meanwhile, Salem Academy didn't have quite enough to beat Clatskanie on Saturday and fell 6-4.

Salem Academy's loss ended a ten-game streak of away wins dating back to last season and brought them to 3-2. As for Kennedy, they now also have a winning record of 3-2.

Kennedy might still be hurting after the 20-5 defeat they got from Salem Academy when the teams last played back in May of 2024. Will the Trojans have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.