Softball Game Preview: The Academy of the Holy Cross Tartans vs. Bishop O'Connell Knights

The Academy of the Holy Cross is 0-10 against Bishop O'Connell since April of 2018 but things could change on Wednesday. The Tartans will look to defend their home field against the Knights. The Academy of the Holy Cross has given up an average of 18.2 runs per game this season, but Wednesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

The Academy of the Holy Cross is headed into Wednesday's matchup looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their seventh straight game dating back to last season on Monday. They lost 14-0 to St. Mary's Ryken.

Meanwhile, Bishop O'Connell put another one in the bag on Thursday to keep their perfect season alive. They put the hurt on Bishop Ireton with a sharp 11-2 victory. Considering the Knights have won seven contests by more than six runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.

Bishop O'Connell got a great performance from Annie Van Dyck as she struck out seven batters over 4.1 innings while giving up just two earned runs off two hits. With that strong performance, Van Dyck is now averaging an impressive 5.2 strikeouts per game.

At the plate, MJ Melvin was a standout: she scored three runs and stole two bases while getting on base in three of her five plate appearances. She is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now snagged at least one in each of the last four games she's played. Emma Prykanowski was another key player, going 3-for-4 with one triple, two RBI, and one run.

Bishop O'Connell kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Bishop Ireton only managed six hits.

Bishop O'Connell's win was their 13th straight on the road dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 10-0. Those road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.6 runs over those games. As for The Academy of the Holy Cross, their defeat dropped their record down to 0-6.

The Academy of the Holy Cross suffered a grim 14-0 defeat to Bishop O'Connell in their previous matchup back in March. Will the Tartans 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.