The Whale Branch Warriors will head out on the road to challenge the Cross Stingrays at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. Keep an eye on the score for this one: the two teams posted some lofty run totals in their previous games.
As a matter of fact, Whale Branch put up the most points they have all season on Tuesday. Everything went their way against Lake Marion as Whale Branch made off with a 42-33 win. The victory was a breath of fresh air for the Warriors as it put an end to their six-game losing streak.
Sylise Edwards was a standout: she got on base in six of her eight plate appearances with four runs, two triples, and two stolen bases. She also brought in five RBI, marking her first of the season. Another player making a difference was Ny'Asia Jackson, who scored seven runs and stole eight bases while getting on base in all eight of her plate appearances.
Whale Branch always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .746. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Cross entered their tilt with Hilton Head Christian Academy on Wednesday with three consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with four. They were the clear victors by a 20-1 margin over the Eagles. That looming 20-1 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for the Stingrays yet this season.
Savannah Hollings was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she tossed two innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits. She has been consistent : she hasn't given up more than one walk in five consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring three runs and stealing three bases while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances.
In other batting news, Cross got a massive performance out of Sydney Hollings, who scored three runs and stole six bases while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances. That's the most stolen bases Hollings has posted since back in April of 2024. Gracie Shultzman was another key player, scoring three runs and stealing four bases while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances.
Whale Branch's win was their first in the region, bumping their region record up to 1-4 and their overall record up to 2-6. As for Cross, their record is now 5-1.
Thursday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Whale Branch has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .591. However, it's not like Cross struggles in that department as they've averaged .610. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Whale Branch might still be hurting after the 20-4 loss they got from Cross when the teams last played back in April of 2023. Can Whale Branch avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
