Pine Tree had lost six straight on the road dating back to last season, but on Friday they dropped down to 7-12 to make it seven. They lost 16-6 to the Spring Hill Panthers. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest defeat the Pirates have suffered against the Panthers since February 21, 2023.
Blair Schroeder was cooking despite her team's loss, going 3-for-4 with three runs, one triple, and one RBI. Lily Dodson was another key player, going 3-for-4 with two doubles and two RBI.
As for Spring Hill, the victory (which was their 16th in a row) raised their record to 23-5. The wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.8 runs on average over those games.
On Spring Hill's side, Sarah Beall spent all six innings played on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned (and three unearned) runs on nine hits and racked up 12 Ks. Beall has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Peyton Dees and Lila Peters did most of the damage at the plate: Dees got on base in all five of her plate appearances with four stolen bases, three runs, and two RBI, while Peters got on base in all five of her plate appearances with three runs, two doubles, and one stolen base. Peters continues to improve, besting her previous run total in each of the last three games she's played. Another player making a difference was Aubreigh Whiddon, who got on base in four of her five plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Pine Tree will challenge Chapel Hill at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The Bulldogs have struggled to contain batters this season (they've allowed 14.27 runs per game on average), something the Pirates will no doubt try to take advantage of. As for Spring Hill, they will square off against Gilmer at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
