The Pike Red Devils will face off against the Tri-West Hendricks Bruins at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Pike has given up an average of 17.5 runs per game this season, but Tuesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
On Thursday, Pike didn't have quite enough to beat Christel House and fell 13-12.
Ellie Tandy and Lili Richardson stepped up to the plate in a big way. Tandy went 3-for-4 with three RBI and two runs, while Richardson went a perfect 4-for-4 with one double and one RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Zi'Aira Fletcher, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with two RBI and one run.
Meanwhile, Tri-West Hendricks made easy work of Lawrence North on Thursday and carried off a 12-1 victory. Considering the Bruins have won 11 games by more than five runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.
Riley Gilliland was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She didn't allow a single earned run while striking out 14 over 5.2 innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-4 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in April.
In other batting news, Tri-West Hendricks got a massive performance out of Emma Charles, who went 2-for-4 with two triples, two runs, and one RBI. Those two triples gave Charles a new career-high. Keira Johnson was another key player, going 2-for-4 with two runs, two RBI, and one double.
Tri-West Hendricks kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Lawrence North only managed three.
Pike has traveled a rocky road recently, having lost ten of their last 12 matchups. That's put a noticeable dent in their 6-16 record this season. As for Tri-West Hendricks, their record now sits at 18-9.
Tuesday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Pike hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .487. However, it's not like Tri-West Hendricks struggles in that department as they've averaged .321. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Pike might still be hurting after the 15-0 loss they got from Tri-West Hendricks when the teams last played back in May of 2025. Can the Red Devils avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
