The James Monroe Mavericks will head out on the road to take on the Bluefield Beavers at 5:30 p.m. on Monday. James Monroe is coming into the match on a six-game losing streak.
Jackson hit James Monroe with a seven-run fourth inning on Wednesday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Mavericks lost 11-1 to the Ironman/Ironladies.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Bluefield). They were the clear victors by a 23-4 margin over Montcalm on Wednesday. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Beavers.
Sophie Hall made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching four innings while giving up just one earned (and three unearned) runs off two hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two hits in three consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in all five of her plate appearances with two doubles, two RBI, and one run. Those two doubles gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, Maddie Lawson was incredible, firing off two home runs, seven RBI, and four runs while going 4-for-4. Another player making a difference was Taylor Mabry, who went a perfect 5-for-5 with three runs and four RBI.
Bluefield always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .674. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Bluefield's record is now 3-9. As for James Monroe, their loss dropped their record down to 5-12.
Monday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. James Monroe hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .313. However, it's not like Bluefield struggles in that department as they've averaged .366. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
James Monroe might still be hurting after the 7-1 defeat they got from Bluefield when the teams last played back in March of 2024. Can the Mavericks avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
