The Bethlehem Wildcats will venture away from home to take on the Malone Tigers at 5:30 p.m. on Monday. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.
As a matter of fact, Bethlehem put up the most runs they have all season on Thursday. Everything went their way against Poplar Springs as they made off with a 22-2 victory. Perhaps unsurprisingly given the team's high-flying offense, the game also marked the team's biggest win of the season.
Abigale Brannon was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single hit and allowing only two earned runs while striking out ten over four innings pitched. Brannon was even better at the plate, going 3-for-5 with two triples, five RBI, and three runs.
In other batting news, Ruby Bailey was incredible, going 3-for-4 with three stolen bases, four runs, and four RBI. Sydney Purvee also deserves some recognition as she hit her first double of the season.
Bethlehem always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .564. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Poplar Springs only posted an OBP of .389.
Meanwhile, Malone waltzed into their match on Thursday with four straight wins... but they left with five. They put the hurt on Graceville with a sharp 25-9 victory. Considering Malone has won five contests by more than 13 runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.
Malone got a massive performance out of Larae Baxter, who got on base in four of her five plate appearances with three stolen bases, four RBI, and two runs. Baxter is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now snagged two or more in each of the last six games she's played. Another player making a difference was Jordin Josey, who scored three runs and stole three bases while getting on base in four of her five plate appearances.
Malone pushed their record up to 6-7 with the win, which was their fourth straight at home. The home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 15.5 runs over those games. As for Bethlehem, their win ended a four-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 3-4.
Monday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Bethlehem has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .474. However, it's not like Malone struggles in that department as they've averaged .628. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Bethlehem took their victory against Malone in their previous meeting back in March by a conclusive 17-8 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Wildcats since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
