Softball Preview: Thomas Sumter Academy Generals vs. Orangeburg Prep Indians
Thomas Sumter Academy has enjoyed a three-game homestand but will soon have to dust off their road jerseys. They will face off against the Orangeburg Prep Indians at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. The pair have allowed few runs on average, (Thomas Sumter Academy: 2.6, Orangeburg Prep: 1.8) so any runs scored will be well earned.
Last Tuesday, Thomas Sumter Academy was able to grind out a solid victory over Holly Hill Academy, taking the game 5-2.
Kason Carter made a splash while hitting and pitching. She struck out 12 batters over five innings while giving up just two earned runs off one hit. Carter has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than 11 strikeouts every time she's pitched this season. Carter was also big at the plate, scoring two runs while getting on base in all three of her plate appearances.
Carter wasn't the only one making solid contact as five players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Hannah Giddings, who went 1-for-2 with a double and an RBI.
Meanwhile, Orangeburg Prep entered their tilt with Calhoun Academy with five consecutive wins but they'll enter their next game with six. Everything went their way against the Cavaliers last Wednesday as they made off with a 17-0 win. The result was nothing new for Orangeburg Prep, who have now won five matches by six runs or more so far this season.
Like Thomas Sumter Academy, Orangeburg Prep also got a great game from a two-way player: Payton Schurlknight. She looked comfortable on the mound, keeping things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out eight over four innings pitched. Schurlknight was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring three runs and stealing two bases while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances.
In other batting news, Lauren Ballew was incredible, going 2-for-3 with a home run, two stolen bases, and three runs. Jane Walker Yonce was another key contributor, scoring three runs and stealing two bases while going 1-for-2.
Thomas Sumter Academy's record now sits at 4-1. As for Orangeburg Prep, their record now sits at 7-1.
Thursday's matchup will be a test for both team's pitchers. Thomas Sumter Academy hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .333. However, it's not like Orangeburg Prep struggles in that department as they've averaged .428. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Everything went Thomas Sumter Academy's way against Orangeburg Prep in their previous meeting back in March of 2016 as Thomas Sumter Academy made off with a 15-5 victory. The rematch might be a little tougher for Thomas Sumter Academy since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
