Softball Preview: Pendleton Heights Arabians vs. Eastern Hancock Royals
The Pendleton Heights Arabians will head out on the road to face off against the Eastern Hancock Royals at 5:30 p.m. on Monday. Pendleton Heights is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.3 runs per game this season.
Pendleton Heights is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Indiana's top teams: New Palestine, who was ranked second in their home state at the time (Pendleton Heights was ranked 23rd). Pendleton Heights took a 5-1 hit to the loss column at the hands of New Palestine on Thursday. Pendleton Heights' defeat signaled the end of their four-game winning streak.
Pendleton Heights saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Katelin Goodwin, who went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI.
Connersville typically has all the answers at home, but on Saturday Eastern Hancock proved too difficult a challenge. They came out on top against the Spartans by a score of 10-5. The win was nothing new for Eastern Hancock as they're now sitting on three straight.
Brooklyn Willis was incredible, firing off three home runs, six RBI, and four runs while going 4-for-5. She has been hot recently, having posted at least one home run the last three times she's played. Lilli Ringer was another key contributor, going 2-for-4 with a triple and two RBI.
Pendleton Heights' loss dropped their record down to 15-8. As for Eastern Hancock, they pushed their record up to 19-2 with that victory, which was their 12th straight on the road dating back to last season.
Monday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Pendleton Heights has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .431. However, it's not like Eastern Hancock struggles in that department as they've averaged .484. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Pendleton Heights took their win against Eastern Hancock in their previous meeting back in May of 2023 by a conclusive 13-3. The rematch might be a little tougher for Pendleton Heights since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps