For the first time this season, Hollow Rock-Bruceton Central will have a chance to prove themselves in a conference matchup. They will host the McKenzie Rebels at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Hollow Rock-Bruceton Central will be looking to extend their current nine-game winning streak.
While Hollow Rock-Bruceton Central's victory against Dresden wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. Hollow Rock-Bruceton Central won by a run and slipped past Dresden 3-2.
Madison Holder made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. That's the first time she hasn't allowed a single hit over her last seven games. She was also big at the plate, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 1-for-2.
Holder wasn't the only one making solid contact as three players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Lilly McGee, who went 2-for-4 with one stolen base. McKenzye Castleman also deserves some recognition as she brought in her first RBI of the season.
Meanwhile, McKenzie's hitters rose to the challenge against a Warriors pitching crew that boasted an average of only 3.5 runs allowed last Friday. McKenzie put the hurt on McEwen with a sharp 10-3 win. The result was nothing new for the Rebels, who have now won three matchups by seven runs or more so far this season.
Aurora Johnson spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and one unearned) runs on six hits and racked up six Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Jaycee Stafford was incredible, scoring a run while going 3-for-5. The team also got some help courtesy of Kailie Hudgins, who scored a run while going 4-for-4.
McKenzie kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 15 hits. That's the most hits they've managed all season.
Hollow Rock-Bruceton Central pushed their record up to 12-2 with the victory, which was their sixth straight at home. As for McKenzie, they now have a winning record of 3-2.
Thursday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Hollow Rock-Bruceton Central hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .366. However, it's not like McKenzie struggles in that department as they've averaged .336. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Hollow Rock-Bruceton Central took their win against McKenzie when the teams last played back in April of 2024 by a conclusive 12-1. Will Hollow Rock-Bruceton Central repeat their success, or does McKenzie has a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
