Fike is 0-7 against South Johnston since March of 2022 but things could change on Thursday. The Demons will venture away from home to face off against the Trojans at 6:00 p.m. Fike has given up an average of 11.5 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Fike came up short against American Leadership Academy-Johnston on Wednesday, falling 12-5.
Fike saw seven different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Gracie Vincent, who went 2-for-4 with one RBI.
Meanwhile, South Johnston came tearing into Tuesday's match with ten straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 13 runs), and they left with even more momentum. Everything went their way against the Wildcats as they made off with a 7-1 victory. The result was nothing new for the Trojans, who have now won nine contests by six runs or more so far this season.
Ava Strickland made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing seven innings while giving up just one earned run off five hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in six consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, scoring a run while going 3-for-4.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Lannah Price, who fired off two home runs and three RBI while going 2-for-4. Those two home runs gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Emma Williford, who scored two runs and stole two bases while going 1-for-2.
South Johnston kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 13 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits in 11 consecutive games.
South Johnston's win was their fifth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 11-1. The road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 16.0 runs over those games. As for Fike, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-10.
Thursday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Fike has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .435. However, it's not like South Johnston struggles in that department as they've averaged .443. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Fike suffered a grim 24-3 defeat to South Johnston in their previous meeting back in March. Can the Demons avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
