The Bethel Christian Academy Trojans will face off against the Wilmington Christian Academy Patriots at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The two teams are sauntering into the matchup backed by comfortable wins in their prior games.
Bethel Christian Academy made up a huge gap compared to their last game against Arendell Parrott Academy, but they still couldn't quite topple them. Bethel Christian Academy put the hurt on Arendell Parrott Academy with a sharp 19-7 win on Friday. The result was nothing new for the Trojans, who have now won four contests by 12 runs or more so far this season.
Suzanne Rouse made a big impact no matter where she played. On the mound, she pitched seven innings while giving up three earned (and four unearned) runs off six hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, scoring a run while going 1-for-5.
In other batting news, Bethel Christian Academy got a massive performance out of Lillie Turner, who scored four runs while going 4-for-4. Avery Cash was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while going 1-for-5.
Bethel Christian Academy kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 17 hits. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post 11 or more hits.
Wilmington Christian Academy never got on the board in their matchup on Tuesday, but that sure wasn't the case in their game against Liberty Christian Academy on Monday. They blew past the Heat 18-7. Considering the Patriots' hitters had been struggling lately, the high-scoring outing was a much-needed turnaround.
Lydia Naylor and Peyton Hedge did most of the damage at the plate: Naylor scored four runs and stole three bases while getting on base in all five of her plate appearances, while Hedge scored four runs and stole a base while going 4-for-5. The team also got some help courtesy of Bayleigh Robinson, who scored a run and stole a base while getting on base in three of her five plate appearances.
The victory made it two in a row for Bethel Christian Academy and bumps their season record up to 4-2. The wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 16.5 runs over those games. As for Wilmington Christian Academy, their victory ended a nine-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 2-1-1.
Tuesday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Bethel Christian Academy has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .581. However, it's not like Wilmington Christian Academy struggles in that department as they've averaged .592. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Bethel Christian Academy took their win against Wilmington Christian Academy in their previous meeting back in April of 2024 by a conclusive 11-2. Does Bethel Christian Academy have another victory up their sleeve, or will Wilmington Christian Academy turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
