Apex Friendship has gone 8-2 against Middle Creek recently and they'll look to pad the win column further on Tuesday. The Patriots will look to defend their home field against the Mustangs at 4:30 p.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Apex Friendship had to skate by with only a one-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the ten-run drubbing they dealt Green Level on Monday. The Patriots blew past the Gators 11-1. Winning may never get old, but the Patriots sure are getting used to it with their fifth in a row.
Maura Schwanke
| 04/14/25 vs Green Level | 10 |
| 03/13/25 @ Middle Creek | 7 |
| 03/25/25 vs Panther Creek | 6 |
| 03/03/25 vs Corinth Holders | 3 |
| 03/04/25 vs Garner | 2 |
Apex Friendship got a great performance from Maura Schwanke as she struck out ten batters over five innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits (and only one walk). Those ten strikeouts gave Schwanke a new career-high.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Sydney Joyce, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, five RBI, and two runs. The dominant performance also gave her a new career-high in doubles (two). Another player making a difference was Kaylee Marquis, who scored three runs while going 3-for-3.
Apex Friendship always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .548. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Green Level only posted an OBP of .167.
The home team had come away the winner the last four times Middle Creek and Green Hope had met, but sadly for the fans who attended this one that wasn't the case. The Mustangs were the clear victors by a 14-2 margin over the Falcons on Monday. With that victory, the Mustangs brought their scoring average up to 6.6 runs per game.
Hailey Hoeft was a major factor no matter where she played. She kept things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out eight over five innings pitched. She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than two walks in ten consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances.
In other batting news, Kennedy Johnson was a standout: she went 3-for-4 with six RBI, one triple, and one run. She has been hot recently, having posted three or more hits the last three times she's played. Reese Davis was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while going 2-for-3.
Apex Friendship pushed their record up to 10-2 with the win, which was their fifth straight at home. Those home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.8 runs over those games. As for Middle Creek, the win got them back to even at 6-6.
Tuesday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Apex Friendship hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .399. However, it's not like Middle Creek struggles in that department as they've averaged .327. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Apex Friendship took their victory against Middle Creek in their previous matchup back in March by a conclusive 9-1 score. Will the Patriots repeat their success, or do the Mustangs have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
