For the first time this season, Thatcher will have a chance to prove themselves in a conference matchup. They will look to defend their home field on Tuesday against the Pusch Ridge Christian Academy Lions at 4:00 p.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Thatcher barely beat Blue Ridge the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. Thatcher was the clear victor by a 20-2 margin over Blue Ridge last Thursday. The Eagles haven't had any issues with the Yellow Jackets recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive victory against them.
Shaylee Hughes was incredible, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run, two stolen bases, and three RBI. That's the most stolen bases she has posted since back in March of 2024. Another player making a difference was Kacee McCluskey, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-2.
Meanwhile, while Pusch Ridge Christian Academy put up plenty of runs on Friday, the same can't be said for Estrella Foothills. Pusch Ridge Christian Academy blew past Estrella Foothills 12-0. The win was nothing new for the Lions as they're now sitting on three straight.
Josie Burnside made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she struck out seven batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and not a single walk). She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-2.
In other batting news, Pusch Ridge Christian Academy got a massive performance out of Hadley English, who scored three runs and stole two bases while getting on base in all three of her plate appearances. Hannah DeBake was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 1-for-2.
Pusch Ridge Christian Academy always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .731. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their OBP total in four consecutive contests.
Thatcher now has a winning record of 6-5. As for Pusch Ridge Christian Academy, they now have a winning record of 3-2.
Tuesday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Thatcher has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .479. However, it's not like Pusch Ridge Christian Academy struggles in that department as they've averaged .500. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Thatcher suffered a grim 13-4 defeat to Pusch Ridge Christian Academy in their previous matchup back in March of 2024. Can Thatcher avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
