South Decatur is 1-9 against Edinburgh since April of 2019 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Thursday. The Cougars will host the Lancers at 5:00 p.m. The two teams are sauntering into the matchup backed by comfortable wins in their prior games.
South Decatur hadn't beaten Oldenburg Academy on the road since May 5, 2015 but that history sure didn't bother them on Monday. The Cougars were the clear victors by a 14-2 margin over the Twisters. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Cougars.
Riley Benge was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run over five innings pitched. She also allowed three hits, marking her first of the season. She was also big at the plate, scoring a run while going 2-for-4.
In other batting news, South Decatur let Dalilah Martin and Lydia Witkemper run wild. Martin scored three runs and stole two bases while going 3-for-3, while Witkemper scored three runs while going 3-for-3. The team also got some help courtesy of Daisy Martin, who scored two runs while going 2-for-4.
Edinburgh's found some homefield redemption this week after a overtime loss to Hauser on Tuesday. The Lancers' pitchers stepped up to hand Mooresville Christian a 14-0 shutout. Considering the Lancers have won three matchups by more than ten runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
Like South Decatur, Edinburgh also got a great game from a two-way player: Chole Hancock. Throwing, Hancock struck out eight batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Kenna Streeval tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two hits in three consecutive appearances. At bat, Hancock scored a run while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances, while Streeval went a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, three runs, and four RBI.
In other batting news, Shyla Watt was incredible, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-2. Another player making a difference was Gracie Barrett, who scored two runs while getting on base in two of her three plate appearances.
Edinburgh was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .500. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .360 or higher in four consecutive games.
The win got South Decatur back to even at 2-2. As for Edinburgh, they now have a winning record of 4-3.
Thursday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. South Decatur has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .465. However, it's not like Edinburgh struggles in that department as they've averaged .500. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
South Decatur suffered a grim 15-0 defeat to Edinburgh in their previous meeting back in May of 2024. Will the Cougars have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
