The Crestview Rebels will head out to challenge the LaBrae Vikings at 5:00 p.m. on Monday. The last four games Crestview has played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.
While Crestview's win against Newton Falls wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. The Rebels skirted past the Tigers 5-4. The victory was a breath of fresh air for the Rebels as it put an end to their six-game losing streak.
Makayla Mckee made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over four innings while giving up three earned runs off six hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 12 consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one double and one RBI.
In other batting news, Brenna Figley was incredible, going 2-for-3 with three stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI. That's the most stolen bases she has posted over her last 11 matches. Lainey Milhoan was another key player, going 1-for-2 with two stolen bases and one run.
Crestview was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .400. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their batting average total in five consecutive contests.
Meanwhile, LaBrae got the win against McDonald on Wednesday by a conclusive 13-3. Considering the Vikings have won eight games by more than six runs this season, Wednesday's blowout was nothing new.
Like Crestview, LaBrae also got a great game from a two-way player: Riley Rowe. She struck out ten batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off six hits. Rowe was also stellar in the batter's box, going 4-for-5 with one home run, four runs, and two doubles. With that strong performance, she is now averaging an impressive 2.1 runs per game.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Shelby Bragg, who went a perfect 5-for-5 with four runs, two stolen bases, and three RBI. Another player making a difference was Leah DeArmitt, who went 3-for-5 with three runs, two doubles, and one RBI.
LaBrae has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won 13 of their last 14 matches. That's provided a nice bump to their 17-2 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.4 runs over those games. As for Crestview, their record is now 11-8.
Crestview's speedy runners might be the difference in Monday's contest. The Rebels have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 2.7 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for LaBrae, though, as they've been averaging only 1.1 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Crestview continue to outrun the ball?
Crestview suffered a grim 12-1 defeat to LaBrae in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Can the Rebels avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
