The Connersville Spartans will face off against the Yorktown Tigers at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Connersville is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.4 runs per game this season.
Connersville is probably headed into the matchup with a chip on their shoulder considering New Palestine just ended the team's five-game winning streak on Saturday. They came up short against the Dragons, falling 10-0. The contest marked the first time this year in which the Spartans were not able to get on the board.
Connersville saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Bre Brock, who went 1-for-2 with one double.
Meanwhile, two teams were on the hunt for playoff glory, but only Yorktown walked away with it. They never let the Trojans get on the board and left with a 22-0 victory on Tuesday. Considering the Tigers have won ten games by more than eight runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
Olivia Jones was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits (and only one walk). She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in eight consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with three RBI and one double. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in April.
In other batting news, Claire Hazen was a standout: she went 3-for-4 with three runs, three RBI, and two doubles. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in April. Another player making a difference was Emma Reynolds, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with two stolen bases, three runs, and two RBI.
Yorktown kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 19 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least nine hits in five consecutive matches.
Yorktown has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won seven of their last eight contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 18-4 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.5 runs on average over those games. As for Connersville, their loss dropped their record down to 22-10.
Wednesday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Connersville hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .380. However, it's not like Yorktown struggles in that department as they've averaged .386. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Connersville came up short against Yorktown in their previous matchup back in April, falling 13-8. Can the Spartans avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
