Abingdon/Avon hasn't had much luck against Ridgewood [AlWood/Cambridge] recently, but that could start to change on Saturday. The Tornadoes will face off against the Spartans at 11:00 a.m. Abingdon/Avon has given up an average of 9.4 runs per game this season, but Saturday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Abingdon/Avon came into their game on Thursday off a hard-fought close win, but unfortunately suffered a serious change of fortune. They lost 15-3 to Knoxville.
Taylor Ford made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went 1-for-2 with one triple, one stolen base, and two RBI.
The home team had won the previous four meetings between Ridgewood [AlWood/Cambridge] and Stark County, and Ridgewood [AlWood/Cambridge] kept the tradition alive. The Spartans' pitchers stepped up to hand the Rebels a 10-0 shutout on Thursday. Considering the Spartans have won 12 matchups by more than five runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.
Courtney Thomas and Gabby Dean were major factors while hitting and pitching. Throwing, Thomas pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. Meanwhile, Dean tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs off three hits. Thomas has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in five consecutive appearances. At bat, Thomas went 2-for-3 with three RBI and one run, while Dean went 1-for-3 with one run and one RBI. Those three RBI gave Thomas a new career-high.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Ella Humphrey, who went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases and three runs. Avery Humphrey was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two runs, one double, and one RBI.
Ridgewood [AlWood/Cambridge] was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .520. That's the best batting average they've posted all season.
Ridgewood [AlWood/Cambridge] has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won 13 of their last 14 contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 18-7 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.5 runs over those games. As for Abingdon/Avon, their loss dropped their record down to 9-14.
Saturday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Abingdon/Avon hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .313. However, it's not like Ridgewood [AlWood/Cambridge] struggles in that department as they've averaged .344. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Abingdon/Avon couldn't quite finish off Ridgewood [AlWood/Cambridge] in their previous meeting back in May of 2024 and fell 2-0. Can the Tornadoes avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
