The Batesville Pioneers will square off against the Jonesboro Hurricane at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Batesville hadn't beaten West Memphis on the road since March 30, 2021 but that history sure didn't bother them on Tuesday. The Pioneers were the clear victors by a 20-5 margin over the Blue Devils. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Pioneers.
Addilyn Bookout was a major factor no matter where she played. She struck out seven batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. She also put up two walks, which were her first of the season. She was also solid in the batter's box, scoring three runs and stealing a base while getting on base in two of her five plate appearances.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Addyson Fisher, who scored four runs and stole a base while getting on base in four of her five plate appearances. She also launched a home run, marking her first of the season. Shaylee Horton was another key player, scoring a run and stealing two bases while getting on base in three of her five plate appearances.
Batesville always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .578. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as West Memphis only posted an OBP of .400.
Meanwhile, Jonesboro came into Tuesday's match having lost five straight, but that streak is now in the rearview. Everything went their way against Little Rock Southwest on Tuesday as they made off with a 19-9 win.
Braylynn Calloway was incredible, going 3-for-4 with one home run, two stolen bases, and three runs. The team also got some help courtesy of Ella Green, who scored three runs and stole a base while going 3-for-5.
Batesville picked up their first road victory, bumping their record up to 4-6. As for Jonesboro, their win was their first in the conference, bumping their conference record up to 1-2 and their overall record up to 3-6.
Monday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Batesville hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .343. However, it's not like Jonesboro struggles in that department as they've averaged .490. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Batesville took their victory against Jonesboro in their previous meeting back in March of 2024 by a conclusive 18-1 score. Will the Pioneers repeat their success, or do the Hurricane have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
