The Central Jaguars will face off against the Freeport Bulldogs at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.
Central's pitching crew heads into the game hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Monday. Everything went their way against Booker T. Washington as they made off with a 15-0 win. The Jaguars might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won eight contests by seven runs or more this season.
Tenley Smarr was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. Smarr was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring three runs and stealing two bases while getting on base in all three of her plate appearances. That's the most runs she has posted since back in March.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Natalie Blair, who scored three runs and stole four bases while going 3-for-3. What's more, she posted three RBI, the most she's had since back in March. Another player making a difference was Shelby Zigler, who scored two runs and stole three bases while getting on base in all three of her plate appearances.
Central always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .708. They are a perfect 7-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
For whatever reason, it's the away team that's had the advantage when Freeport and Baker meet (three straight games heading into this one) and that held true again on Tuesday. The Bulldogs came out on top against the Gators by a score of 14-10.
Like Central, Freeport also got a great game from a two-way player: Kaylee Carroll. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing seven innings while giving up three earned (and seven unearned) runs off ten hits. Carroll was also big at the plate, getting on base in two of her five plate appearances with one stolen base and one RBI.
In other batting news, Freeport got a massive performance out of Faith McDonald, who scored three runs and stole three bases while going 1-for-4. Corissa Duggar was another key player, scoring four runs while getting on base in three of her five plate appearances.
Central moved to 10-8 with that victory, which also ended their three-game losing streak. As for Freeport, their win bumped their record up to 8-9.
Wednesday's match will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Central hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .358. However, it's not like Freeport struggles in that department as they've averaged .328. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Central couldn't quite finish off Freeport in their previous meeting back in March and fell 10-8. Will the Jaguars have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.
