The First Baptist Academy Eagles will head out on the road to square off against Providence Academy at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. The last four games First Baptist Academy has played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.
First Baptist Academy took a seven-run defeat the last time they faced off against Knoxville Catholic, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Eagles skirted past the Fighting Irish 8-7.
Ava Mitchell was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over eight innings while giving up just one earned (and three unearned) runs off seven hits (and not a single walk). She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-5 with three RBI, two doubles, and one run.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Addison Harbison, who went 3-for-4 with one home run, two stolen bases, and two runs. Sydney Pytel also deserves some recognition as she brought in her first RBI of the season.
First Baptist Academy was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .378. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Meanwhile, Providence Academy can bid farewell to their six-game losing streak thanks to their game on Thursday. Everything went their way against Valley as they made off with a 17-7 win. With that victory, Providence Academy brought their scoring average up to 6.2 runs per game.
Like First Baptist Academy, Providence Academy also got a great game from a two-way player: Avery Morgan. She struck out eight batters over five innings while giving up just two earned (and five unearned) runs off five hits. Those eight strikeouts gave Morgan a new career-high. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with two runs and two RBI.
In other batting news, Eden Damron was a standout: she went a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run and four RBI. Those two hits gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Emma Caldwell, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with three runs, two doubles, and two RBI.
First Baptist Academy now has a winning record of 4-3. As for Providence Academy, their record is now 2-10.
Providence Academy's hitters will have their work cut out for them on Friday. First Baptist Academy has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.7 strikeouts per game. It's a different story for Providence Academy, though, as they've been averaging only 3.9 strikeouts. Will First Baptist Academy keep running through batters, or will Providence Academy buck the trend?
First Baptist Academy got the 'W' when the teams last played back in March against Providence Academy by a conclusive 14-4 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Eagles since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
