The Malone Tigers will face off against the Bethlehem Wildcats at 5:30 p.m. on Monday. The two teams are strolling into their matchups after big wins in their previous games.
Bethlehem will challenge a team with plenty of momentum: Malone extended their winning streak to five on Thursday. Malone was the clear victor by a 25-9 margin over Graceville. Malone might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won five contests by 14 runs or more this season.
Larae Baxter
| 04/10/25 vs Graceville | 4 |
| 04/02/25 vs Bay | 3 |
| 03/28/25 @ Jefferson County | 1 |
| 03/27/25 @ Vernon | 1 |
| 03/15/25 @ Bay | 1 |
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. Those four RBI gave Baxter a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Jordin Josey, who scored three runs and stole three bases while getting on base in four of her five plate appearances.
Malone kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 13 hits. They are 2-1 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Bethlehem). They blew past Poplar Springs 22-2 on Thursday. The team's explosion at the plate also rewarded the Wildcats with their most commanding win of the season.
Abigale Brannon was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she didn't allow a single hit and allowed only two earned runs while striking out ten over four innings pitched. Brannon was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-5 with two triples, five RBI, and three runs.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Ruby Bailey, who went 3-for-4 with three stolen bases, four runs, and four RBI. Kenzie Adams was another key player, scoring three runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-4.
Malone's win was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 6-7. The home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.5 runs on average 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 will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Malone hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .350. However, it's not like Bethlehem struggles in that department as they've averaged .340. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Malone suffered a grim 17-8 defeat to Bethlehem in their previous meeting back in March. Will the Tigers 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.
