The Carroll Tigers will challenge the Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial Eagles at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Each of these teams will be fighting to keep a win streak alive as Carroll comes in on seven and Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial on 22.
Last Friday, Carroll got the win against Corpus Christi Moody by a conclusive 16-1. The result was nothing new for the Tigers, who have now won 15 matches by six runs or more so far this season.
Ali Ann Deleon spent all four innings played on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered a run (which was unearned) on three hits.
At the plate, Carroll got a massive performance out of Benasia Ellison, who went 2-for-4 with four RBI, two doubles, and one run. That's the most doubles Ellison has posted since back in February. Mariah Pena was another key player, scoring three runs and stealing two bases while getting on base in all three of her plate appearances.
Ellison wasn't the only one making solid contact: Carroll kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits in seven consecutive contests.
Meanwhile, while Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial put up plenty of runs on Tuesday, the same can't be said for Corpus Christi Moody. The Eagles put the hurt on the Trojans with a sharp 25-0 victory. The Eagles are also no stranger to big wins: their blowout was the 18th game they've won by 6+ runs this season.
Lyla Creek looked comfortable as she kept things locked down with no earned runs or hits over four innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 11 consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Parker Malone was a standout: she went a perfect 4-for-4 with one home run, five runs, and four RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Desi Garcia, who went 4-for-5 with four runs, five RBI, and two doubles.
Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial pushed their record up to 23-2 with the win, which was their seventh straight on the road. Those road victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 0.3 runs on average over those games. As for Carroll, their record is now 22-2.
Friday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Carroll has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .494. However, it's not like Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial struggles in that department as they've averaged .539. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Carroll might still be hurting after the 9-0 defeat they got from Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial when the teams last played back in March. Can the Tigers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
