The South Point Pointers are taking a road trip to challenge the Ironton Fighting Tigers at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. South Point's pitching crew has only allowed 3.8 runs per game this season, so Ironton's hitters will have their work cut out for them.
Ironton will square off against a team with plenty of momentum: South Point extended their winning streak to three on Thursday. The Pointers walked away with a 4-1 victory over Portsmouth. While the Pointers didn't have the best season last year (they finished 5-19), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past.
Kota Copley
| 04/17/25 vs Portsmouth | 9 |
| 04/16/25 vs Fairland | 16 |
| 04/15/25 vs Ironton | 9 |
| 04/12/25 vs Johnson Central | 7 |
| 04/11/25 @ Rock Hill | 6 |
Kota Copley spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered a run (which was unearned) on five hits and racked up nine Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in five consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Kaylee Stidham, who went 2-for-3 with one home run, two runs, and one stolen base.
Meanwhile, Ironton made easy work of Gallia Academy on Thursday and carried off a 12-6 win. The result was nothing new for the Fighting Tigers, who have now won six matchups by six runs or more so far this season.
Ironton also let their pitcher toss all seven innings and she was also dialed-in: Layla Townsend gave up five earned (and one unearned) runs on nine hits and racked up nine Ks.
At the plate, Aubrey Ferguson was incredible, going 2-for-4 with three runs, four RBI, and two doubles. Those three runs gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Khamil Martin, who got on base in all five of her plate appearances with four runs.
Ironton hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Gallia Academy struck out nine times.
South Point's victory was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 9-3. Those home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.3 runs on average over those games. As for Ironton, their record is now 10-3.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Friday as neither team is afraid to steal. South Point has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.4 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Ironton struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 3.5 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
South Point was able to grind out a solid victory over Ironton when the teams last played on Tuesday, winning 5-2. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Pointers since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
