The LaBrae Vikings will head out to take on the Wickliffe Blue Devils at 5:15 p.m. on Friday. LaBrae is coming into the contest hot, having won their last ten games.
LaBrae had to skate by with only a one-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the nine-run drubbing they dealt Hubbard on Thursday. The Vikings were the clear victors by an 11-2 margin over the Eagles. Considering the Vikings have won seven matches by more than six runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.
Leah DeArmitt
| 04/24/25 @ Hubbard | 10 |
| 04/22/25 @ Liberty | 10 |
| 04/17/25 vs Newton Falls | 12 |
| 04/12/25 vs Geneva | 7 |
| 04/04/25 vs McDonald | 8 |
| + 2 more games |
Leah DeArmitt was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she struck out ten batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned runs off four hits. She has been consistent: she hasn't tossed less than seven strikeouts in seven consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with four RBI, two runs, and one triple. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in March.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Riley Rowe, who went 3-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and one double. She is on a roll when it comes to home runs, as she's now launched at least one in each of the last six games she's played. Shelby Bragg was another key player, going 1-for-3 with two runs, one double, and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Wickliffe has relied on a stalwart pitcher averaging 3.18 runs allowed per game, but that average took a hit on Thursday. They fell just short of West Geauga by a score of 10-9. Give some credit to the fans of both teams: the last four times they've met, the home team has come away the winner.
Maddie Kita and Mackayla Gazdak stepped up to the plate in a big way. Kita went 2-for-4 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI, while Gazdak went 2-for-4 with three runs, two doubles, and one RBI. Maddie Prosuch also deserves some recognition as she snagged her first stolen base of the season.
LaBrae pushed their record up to 14-1 with the win, which was their eighth straight on the road. Those road victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.9 runs on average over those games. As for Wickliffe, their defeat dropped their record down to 7-4.
Friday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. LaBrae has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .433. However, it's not like Wickliffe struggles in that department as they've averaged .520. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.
