Cumberland County hasn't had much luck against DeKalb County recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Jets will face off against the Tigers at 5:30 p.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Cumberland County made up a huge gap compared to their last game against York Institute, but they still couldn't quite topple them. The Jets were the clear victors by an 18-8 margin over the Dragons on Wednesday. With that win, the Jets brought their scoring average up to 6.6 runs per game.
Raylynn Adams and Lillyonah Rice did most of the damage at the plate: Adams scored three runs and stole four bases while going 3-for-4, while Rice went 2-for-4 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. Those runs marked the first that Adams scored this season. Anamarie RIo was another key player, scoring four runs and stealing a base while getting on base in four of her five plate appearances.
They weren't the only ones working in the hit department: Cumberland County kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 15 hits. That's a new trend for them: they were averaging 3.6 hits per game earlier this season, but in their last 15 contests they've averaged 9.
Meanwhile, DeKalb County had already won two in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 4.5 runs) and they went ahead and made it three on Tuesday. They blew past the Warriors 7-1.
Kora Kilgore made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She didn't allow a single earned run while striking out 16 over seven innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't tossed less than nine strikeouts in seven consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two RBI. Those three hits gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, Bryna Pelham was incredible, going 3-for-5 with four RBI, two runs, and one double. She is on a roll when it comes to hits, as she's now got three or more in each of the last four games she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Zayleigh Bain, who scored a run and stole a base while going 1-for-4.
Cumberland County's record is now 3-7. As for DeKalb County, their record now sits at 9-5.
Thursday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Cumberland County has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .496. However, it's not like DeKalb County struggles in that department as they've averaged .486. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Cumberland County might still be hurting after the 15-0 defeat they got from DeKalb County when the teams last played back in March. Can the Jets avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
