Italy is a perfect 10-0 against Itasca since April of 2015 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Friday. The Italy Gladiators will be playing in front of their home fans against the Itasca Wampus Cats at 7:00 p.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Italy's pitching crew heads into the matchup hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Tuesday. They blew past Meridian 15-0. Winning may never get old, but the Gladiators sure are getting used to it with their fifth in a row.
Meridian's batters probably weren't too happy with Kacey Stewart, who pitched a no hitter (she gave up two walks).
Addy Slovak
| 03/18/25 vs Meridian | 4 |
| 03/14/25 @ Hico | 1 |
| 03/01/25 vs Non Varsity Tournament Opponent | 3 |
| 02/28/25 vs Vanguard College Prep | 1 |
| 02/28/25 vs Blooming Grove | 2 |
At the plate, Italy got a massive performance out of Addy Slovak, who scored three runs and stole Four bases. while going 3-for-4. Slovak is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now snagged at least one in each of the last five games she's played. Olivia Ramirez was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-2.
Italy was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .450. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .417 or higher in six consecutive contests.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Itasca). They were the clear victor by an 18-3 margin over Meridian on Friday.
Alyssa Arellano and Rylee Markwardt did most of the damage at the plate: Arellano got on base in all three of her plate appearances with three runs, three RBI, and one triple, while Markwardt scored three runs and stole Four bases. while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances. That triple marked the first that Arellano hit this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Tatum Abrego, who scored three runs and stole Three bases. while getting on base in two of her three plate appearances.
Itasca's win bumped their record up to 3-6. As for Italy, their victory bumped their record up to 9-4.
Friday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Italy has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .603. However, it's not like Itasca struggles in that department as they've averaged .597. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Italy took their win against Itasca in their previous meeting back in March of 2020 by a conclusive 24-0. Will Italy repeat their success, or does Itasca have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
