Bandys and West Caldwell are an even 5-5 against one another since April of 2016, but likely not for long. The Trojans will take on the Warriors at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Both teams are coming into the game red-hot, with Bandys sitting on seven straight victories and West Caldwell on four.
Bandys had to skate by with only a one-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the 17-run drubbing they dealt Newton-Conover on Wednesday. The Trojans were the clear victors by an 18-1 margin over the Red Devils. Considering the Trojans have won eight matches by more than six runs this season, Wednesday's blowout was nothing new.
Rylie Tucker
| 04/09/25 vs Newton-Conover | 1 |
| 04/01/25 vs Lincolnton | 2 |
| 03/28/25 vs East Burke | 2 |
| 03/18/25 @ Newton-Conover | 2 |
Rylie Tucker made a splash no matter where she played. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit over four innings pitched. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two hits in four consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, scoring two runs and stealing a base while getting on base in two of her three plate appearances.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Avery Alexander, who scored three runs and stole three bases while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances. Caroline Drum was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 1-for-1.
Bandys always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .656. The last time their OBP was this high was was before the start of last season.
Meanwhile, West Caldwell got themselves on the board against West Lincoln on Tuesday, but West Lincoln never followed suit. They had just enough and edged out the Rebels 2-0. The game was the first time the Warriors have beaten the Rebels on their field since May 5, 2023.
West Caldwell's win was truly a team effort as five different players contributed at least one hit. One of them was Daylann Patterson, who scored a run while going 1-for-2.
Bandys' victory was their fifth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 12-6. Those home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.2 runs over those games. As for West Caldwell, their record now sits at 16-1.
Friday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Bandys hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .357. However, it's not like West Caldwell struggles in that department as they've averaged .371. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Bandys might still be hurting after the 7-1 defeat they got from West Caldwell in their previous meeting back in March. Can the Trojans avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
