Midland Valley is 2-8 against North Augusta since March of 2021 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Tuesday. The Mustangs will challenge the Yellow Jackets at 5:30 p.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
North Augusta will take on a team with plenty of momentum: Midland Valley extended their winning streak to seven on Thursday. The Mustangs put the hurt on South Aiken with a sharp 10-1 victory.
Larue Hicks
| 04/17/25 vs South Aiken | 1 |
| 03/28/25 @ Spring Valley | 1 |
| 03/28/25 @ Spring Valley | 0 |
Larue Hicks spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned run on six hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in three consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Midland Valley got a big performance out of Bailey Seabolt, who went 2-for-4 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run. Mallorie Smith was another key player, going 2-for-4 with three runs and one double.
Midland Valley was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .400. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .400 or higher in three consecutive contests.
North Augusta's found some homefield redemption this week after a overtime loss to Strom Thurmond on Thursday. The Yellow Jackets' pitcher stepped up to hand Aiken a 15-0 shutout.
Lia Allen made a splash no matter where she played. She pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Allen was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with two stolen bases, one run, and one RBI. Those two stolen bases gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, Savannah Allen was incredible, going a perfect 2-for-2 with three runs, three RBI, and one stolen base. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in March of 2024. Another player making a difference was Lyla Brummond, who got on base in all three of her plate appearances with three RBI and two runs.
North Augusta pushed their record up to 9-8 with the win, which was their fourth straight at home. The home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.0 run on average over those games. As for Midland Valley, their record now sits at 13-5.
Tuesday's match will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Midland Valley hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .362. However, it's not like North Augusta struggles in that department as they've averaged .313. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Midland Valley couldn't quite get it done against North Augusta when the teams last played back in April of 2024 as they fell 11-8. Can the Mustangs avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
