The Heritage Timberwolves will square off against the Columbia River Rapids at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Heritage is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.7 runs per game this season.
Having struggled with five losses in a row, Heritage turned things around against Evergreen on Tuesday. They put the hurt on the Plainsmen with a sharp 16-1 victory. The high-scoring effort was just what the Timberwolves needed considering they were shut out in their previous matchup.
Jaila Ellis
| 05/06/25 @ Evergreen | 12 |
| 05/02/25 @ Mountain View | 10 |
| 04/23/25 vs Camas | 2 |
| 04/22/25 @ Prairie | 5 |
| 04/18/25 @ Skyview | 2 |
| + 7 more games |
Jaila Ellis was a major factor no matter where she played. She didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out 12 over four innings pitched. That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in March. She was also stellar in the batter's box, firing off two home runs, three runs, and four RBI while going 3-for-4. She is also on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now snagged at least one in each of the last four games she's played.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Jaleigh Zabel, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, three runs, and four RBI. Those three runs gave her a new career-high. Lillie Stroup was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI.
Heritage hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post two or more strikeouts.
Meanwhile, after some red-hot attacks at the plate in their last three games, Columbia River finally came back down to earth on Wednesday. They fell 6-1 to Mark Morris. The defeat continues a trend for the Rapids in their meetings with the Monarchs: they've now lost five in a row.
Columbia River's loss dropped their record down to 10-6. As for Heritage, their win bumped their record up to 7-8.
Thursday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Heritage hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .335. However, it's not like Columbia River struggles in that department as they've averaged .345. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Heritage was able to grind out a solid victory over Columbia River when the teams last played back in March of 2019, winning 4-0. Will the Timberwolves repeat their success, or do the Rapids have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
