The Copper Hills Grizzlies will challenge the Herriman Mustangs at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. Copper Hills is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.7 runs per game this season.
Copper Hills fell victim to Bingham and their airtight pitching crew on Tuesday. They came up short against the Miners, falling 9-0. The Grizzlies haven't had much luck with the Miners recently, as the team has come up short the last nine times they've met.
Kennedy Jennings spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered five earned (and four unearned) runs on eight hits and racked up 11 Ks.
Meanwhile, Herriman gave up the first runs on Wednesday, but they didn't let that get them down. They had just enough and edged out Pleasant Grove 6-5. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Mustangs.
Herriman also let their pitcher toss all seven innings and she was also dialed-in: Ashlyn Beratto gave up three earned (and two unearned) runs on seven hits and racked up six Ks.
On the hitting side, Kinlee McDermaid was incredible, firing off two home runs and four RBI while going 3-for-4. Those two home runs gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Jaylee Hansen, who went 3-for-4 with one RBI.
McDermaid wasn't the only one making solid contact: Herriman kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 13 hits. The Mustangs are a perfect 7-0 when they post 11 or more hits.
Herriman pushed their record up to 9-8 with the victory, which was their fifth straight on the road. Those road wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.8 runs over those games. As for Copper Hills, their loss dropped their record down to 8-6.
Thursday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Copper Hills hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .358. However, it's not like Herriman struggles in that department as they've averaged .349. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Copper Hills couldn't quite get it done against Herriman in their previous matchup back in April of 2024 as they fell 11-7. Will the Grizzlies have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
