The Ballantyne Ridge Wolves will face off against the Palisades Pumas at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Ballantyne Ridge is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.6 runs per game this season.
Ballantyne Ridge is probably headed into the contest with a chip on their shoulder considering East Mecklenburg just ended the team's three-game winning streak on Wednesday. They fell 8-3 to the Eagles.
Ballantyne Ridge saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Savanna Brown, who scored a run while going 1-for-3.
Meanwhile, Palisades came into Tuesday's game having lost four straight, but that streak is now in the rearview. Everything went their way against Olympic on Tuesday as they made off with a 20-1 win.
Zahria Montgomery was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. What's more, she posted three strikeouts, the most she's had since back in April of 2024. She was also big at the plate, scoring three runs and stealing a base while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances. That stolen base was her first of the season.
In other batting news, Palisades got a massive performance out of Sanaa Dorsey, who scored three runs while going 3-for-3. Those three runs gave Dorsey a new career-high. Gracie Goodrich was another key player, scoring four runs while going 2-for-3.
Palisades was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .591. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their batting average total in four consecutive matchups.
Ballantyne Ridge's loss dropped their record down to 8-12. As for Palisades, their victory bumped their record up to 7-11.
Thursday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Ballantyne Ridge hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .335. However, it's not like Palisades struggles in that department as they've averaged .326. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Ballantyne Ridge came up short against Palisades in their previous matchup back in March, falling 10-6. Will the Wolves have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.
