Union Grove Christian is on a four-game streak of home wins, while Oak Level Baptist Academy is on a three-game streak of away wins: one of those streaks is about to end. The Patriots will welcome the Conquerors at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Union Grove Christian came out on top against Triad Baptist Christian Academy on Tuesday thanks in part to the team's impressive six-run fourth inning. The Patriots put the hurt on the Titans with a sharp 12-1 win. The Patriots haven't had any issues with the Titans recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive victory against them.
Morgan Donovant made a splash no matter where she played. She didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out 12 over five innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in 12 consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two triples, two runs, and one stolen base.
In other batting news, Union Grove Christian got a big performance out of Maddy McDaniel, who went 2-for-3 with two runs and one RBI. That's the most hits McDaniel has posted since back in March. Isabella Lott was another key player, going 3-for-4 with two runs and one double.
Union Grove Christian was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .419. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Triad Baptist Christian Academy only posted a batting average of .167.
Meanwhile, Oak Level Baptist Academy never let their opponents score on Tuesday. They blew past Salem Baptist Christian 17-0.
Like Union Grove Christian, Oak Level Baptist Academy also got a great game from a two-way player: Haley Inman. On the mound, she struck out six batters over two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Inman was also stellar in the batter's box, going 1-for-2 with five stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI.
In other batting news, Summer Walker was incredible, getting on base in all three of her plate appearances with three stolen bases, two runs, and one double. Another player making a difference was Olive Carter, who earned two runs and two stolen bases.
Oak Level Baptist Academy has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won eight of their last nine contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 10-2-1 record this season. As for Union Grove Christian, their win bumped their record up to 11-3.
Thursday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Union Grove Christian has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .493. However, it's not like Oak Level Baptist Academy struggles in that department as they've averaged .438. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Union Grove Christian skirted past Oak Level Baptist Academy 2-0 in their previous matchup back in March. Do the Patriots have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Conquerors turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
