The Oldham County Colonels will venture away from home to take on the Ballard Bruins at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. Oldham County is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.4 runs per game this season.
Oldham County is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another highly-ranked state team: Floyd Central, who was ranked ninth in their home state at the time (Oldham County was ranked ninth). The Colonels fell just short of the Highlanders by a score of 3-2 on Wednesday. The Colonels' defeat signaled the end of their three-game winning streak.
Jozie Lashley put in work while hitting and pitching. She pitched three innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one double.
In other pitching news, Oldham County got a good showing from Kailyn Claybern, who tossed three innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits. Claybern has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in four consecutive appearances.
Meanwhile, Ballard suffered their closest loss since May 16, 2024 on Wednesday. They fell just short of Bullitt East by a score of 11-9. The Bruins' defeat signaled the end of their seven-game winning streak.
Aubrie Newton was cooking despite her team's loss, going 1-for-3 with one home run, two stolen bases, and two runs. That home run was her first of the season. Lucy Strobel was another key player, going 2-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one double.
Oldham County's record is now 21-4. As for Ballard, their record now sits at 17-10.
Thursday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Oldham County has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .446. However, it's not like Ballard struggles in that department as they've averaged .435. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Oldham County suffered a grim 16-3 defeat to Ballard when the teams last played back in May of 2023. Can the Colonels avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
