The Antwerp Archers will play host again on Thursday to welcome the Ayersville Pilots, where first pitch is scheduled at 5:00 p.m. The two teams each escaped (but just barely!) with wins against their previous opponents.
Antwerp's pitching crew heads into the match hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Tuesday. They had just enough and edged Hicksville out 1-0.
Elle Clem made a big impact no matter where she played. She didn't allow a single earned run while striking out 11 over seven innings pitched. Clem has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive pitching appearances. Clem was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run while going 1-for-2.
Meanwhile, after only one run in their last contest, Ayersville made sure to put some runs up on the board against Wayne Trace on Tuesday. Ayersville narrowly escaped with a win as the squad sidled past Wayne Trace 11-10. With that victory, Ayersville brought their scoring average up to 6.6 runs per game.
Like Antwerp, Ayersville also got a great game from a two-way player: Taylor Waldron. On the mound, she pitched an inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Waldron was also big at the plate, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 3-for-4.
In other batting news, Ava Sigler was incredible, going 3-for-4 with a home run, two runs, and two RBI. Mabel McGuire was another key contributor, going 3-for-5 with a triple, a stolen base, and a run.
Antwerp pushed their record up to 4-2 with that win, which was their fourth straight at home dating back to last season. As for Ayersville, they now have a winning record of 4-3.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Antwerp has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.8 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Ayersville struggles in that department as they've been averaging 9.4. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Antwerp suffered a grim 10-0 defeat to Ayersville in their previous matchup back in April of 2023. Will Antwerp have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
