Central Academy hasn't had much luck against Piedmont recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. A feisty cat fight will be fought as Central Academy Cougars take on Piedmont Panthers at 6:00 p.m. Central Academy has given up an average of 7 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Central Academy came up short against Sun Valley on Wednesday, falling 13-3. The Cougars have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Central Academy saw two different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Addison Crawford, who went 1-for-2 with two RBI.
Meanwhile, Piedmont waltzed into their contest on Tuesday with three straight wins... but they left with four. Their pitchers stepped up to hand the Yellow Jackets a 15-0 shutout. Considering the Panthers have won seven games by more than five runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
Ashlyn Pressley made a splash no matter where she played. She tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than one walk in ten consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going a perfect 1-for-1 with one double and one RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Taylyn Steele, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. Another player making a difference was Tara Deese, who scored two runs while going 1-for-1.
Piedmont was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .600. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .333 or higher in four consecutive matchups.
Central Academy's defeat dropped their record down to 7-7. As for Piedmont, their record now sits at 11-4.
Thursday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Central Academy hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .360. However, it's not like Piedmont struggles in that department as they've averaged .395. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Central Academy suffered a grim 17-1 defeat to Piedmont in their previous matchup back in March. Can the Cougars avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
