Osbourn is 0-10 against Patriot since May of 2018 but things could change on Friday. The Eagles will host the Pioneers at 6:00 p.m. Keep an eye on the score for this one: the two teams posted some lofty run totals in their previous games.
Osbourn barely beat Unity Reed the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. The Eagles' pitcher stepped up to hand the Lions a 17-0 shutout on Wednesday. The Eagles might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won four matchups by nine runs or more this season.
MacKenzie Fitterer made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she kept things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out eight over five innings pitched. Fitterer was also stellar in the batter's box, going a perfect 4-for-4 with one home run, six RBI, and two runs. That home run was her first of the season.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Britney Reyes, who fired off two triples, four RBI, and two runs while going 4-for-4. Those triples marked the first that she has hit this season. Tristyn Kershner was another key player, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.
Osbourn always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .667. They are 3-1 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Meanwhile, Patriot was able to grind out a solid win over Gainesville on Wednesday, taking the game 11-8. The Pioneers haven't had any issues with the Cardinals recently, as the game was their sixth consecutive victory against them.
Kiran Kapur and Allison Day did most of the damage at the plate: Kapur went 2-for-4 with three runs and one RBI, while Day went 2-for-4 with three RBI, one triple, and one run. Those three runs gave Kapur a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Lexi Quinlan, who went 1-for-3 with one run and one RBI.
Osbourn's win was their first in the region, bumping their region record up to 1-4 and their overall record up to 4-4. As for Patriot, their victory bumped their record up to 6-4.
Friday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Osbourn hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .394. However, it's not like Patriot struggles in that department as they've averaged .325. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Osbourn might still be hurting after the 14-1 loss they got from Patriot in their previous matchup back in March. Will the Eagles have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
