vs
| 05/11/24 - Home | 15-3 W |
| 03/28/24 - Away | 26-5 W |
| 04/17/23 - Away | 10-2 W |
| 03/28/23 - Home | 13-12 W |
| 04/25/22 - Home | 4-2 W |
Russell County is a perfect 5-0 against Monroe County since April of 2022 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Friday. The Lakers will head out on the road to challenge the Falcons at 5:30 p.m. Russell County is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.9 runs per game this season.
Russell County managed to slip by Clinton County the last time these teams faced off, but didn't have those same answers this time around. The Lakers lost 11-4 to the Bulldogs on Thursday. The home team had taken home the W every time these teams have met since May 4, 2023, but that streak is no more.
Russell County saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Brylie Hardwick, who went 1-for-4 with one double and one RBI. Addy Abrell was another, earning one run and two stolen bases.
Meanwhile, Monroe County was not able to break out of their rough patch on Thursday as the team picked up their third straight loss. They came up short against Adair County, falling 12-6.
Audrina Norman was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-3 with two runs, one triple, and two RBI. That triple marked the first that she has hit this season. Another player making a difference was Jessie Cook, who went 2-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
Russell County now has a losing record of 10-11. As for Monroe County, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-10-1.
Friday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Russell County hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .319. However, it's not like Monroe County struggles in that department as they've averaged .323. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Russell County took their victory against Monroe County when the teams last played back in May of 2024 by a conclusive 15-3 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Lakers since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
