The Sterling Golden Warriors will face off against the East Moline United Panthers at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Sterling is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.3 runs per game this season.
Tuesday just wasn't the day for Sterling's offense. They came up short against Rock Island on Tuesday, falling 10-0. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest defeat the Golden Warriors have suffered since March 28th.
Sterling saw two different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Lily Martinez, who went 1-for-2 with one double.
Meanwhile, East Moline United came tearing into Tuesday's match with three straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 12 runs), and they left with even more momentum. They put the hurt on the Maple Leafs with a sharp 13-3 victory. The result was nothing new for the Panthers, who have now won six games by ten runs or more so far this season.
Emily Stevens made a splash while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run over 4.1 innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in four consecutive appearances. She was even better at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, seven RBI, and one triple. That's the most hits she has posted since back in March of 2024.
In other batting news, Miah Berhenke was excellent, going 2-for-4 with three runs, one stolen base, and one double. The team also got some help courtesy of Alyse Merrill, who went 2-for-3 with one run and one double.
East Moline United hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team has now struck out at least two batters in three consecutive contests.
East Moline United's win bumped their record up to 12-7. As for Sterling, their loss dropped their record down to 11-5.
Thursday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Sterling hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .313. However, it's not like East Moline United struggles in that department as they've averaged .318. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
