Fruitdale hasn't had much luck against Millry recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Pirates will head out on the road to take on the Wildcats at 11:00 a.m. Fruitdale has given up an average of 10.8 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Fruitdale managed to slip by Clarke County the last time these teams faced off, but didn't have those same answers this time around. The Pirates lost 20-10 to the Bulldogs on Monday. Pirates fans who chose to attend the game sure picked the wrong one: it was the first time the team's lost against the Bulldogs since on Monday.
Kk Crager and Skylar Loper stepped up to the plate in a big way. Crager went 2-for-3 with three RBI, two runs, and one triple, while Loper went 1-for-2 with one home run and five RBI. That triple was Crager's first of the season. Jacey Frazier was another key player, going 2-for-3 with three runs and one triple.
Millry not only won on Tuesday, but they posted their biggest win since March 6th (when they won 14-3). They never let Washington County get on the board and left with a 10-0 win. Considering the Wildcats have won seven matches by more than six runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
Lilly Doggette made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she pitched 1.2 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Doggette was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with two RBI and one run. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in February.
In other batting news, Millry got a big performance out of Shakira Holcombe, who went a perfect 1-for-1 with one triple, one run, and one RBI. Another player making a difference was Hayden Beasley, who went 2-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one double.
Millry always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .682. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Washington County only posted an OBP of .412.
This is the second loss in a row for Fruitdale and nudges their season record down to 6-17. As for Millry, they moved to 12-10-1 with that victory, which also ended their three-game losing streak.
Friday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Fruitdale has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .474. However, it's not like Millry struggles in that department as they've averaged .431. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Fruitdale skirted past Millry 15-14 when the teams last played on April 8th. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Pirates since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
