The Apex Friendship Patriots will head out on the road to face off against the Middle Creek Mustangs at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. Apex Friendship is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.8 runs per game this season.
On Monday, Apex Friendship needed a bit of extra time to put away Holly Springs. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 4-3 win over the Golden Hawks. The victory continues a trend for the Patriots in their matchups with the Golden Hawks: they've now won four in a row.
Sydney Joyce spent all eight innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and one unearned) runs on five hits and racked up nine Ks. She has been consistent : she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts any time she's pitched this season.
Kaylee Marquis
| 03/10/25 vs Holly Springs | 3 |
| 03/04/25 vs Garner | 2 |
| 02/26/25 @ Seaforth | 2 |
| 05/02/24 vs Green Level | 2 |
| 04/02/24 @ Panther Creek | 2 |
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Kaylee Marquis, who went 3-for-5 with three RBI, one stolen base, and one double. Those three RBI gave her a new career-high. Makenzie Spero also deserves some recognition as she brought in her first RBI of the season.
Meanwhile, Middle Creek can bid farewell to their six-game losing streak dating back to last season thanks to their game on Monday. They came out on top against Green Hope by a score of 10-5. The Mustangs' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Hailey Hoeft made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she struck out 14 batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned (and three unearned) runs off four hits. With that strong performance, she is now averaging an impressive 5.6 strikeouts per game. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with two triples and three RBI.
In other batting news, Kristen Norton was incredible, scoring two runs and stealing Two bases. while going 2-for-3. Amy Smith was another key player, scoring a run while going 2-for-3.
Middle Creek kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 14 hits. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their hit total in three consecutive matchups.
Apex Friendship's record is now 4-1. As for Middle Creek, their win (their first of the season) made their record 1-4.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Apex Friendship has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.2 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Middle Creek struggles in that department as they've been averaging 6.8 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Apex Friendship took their victory against Middle Creek in their previous matchup back in May of 2024 by a conclusive 9-0. The rematch might be a little tougher for Apex Friendship since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
