The Panther Creek Catamounts will head out on the road to take on the Apex Cougars at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Keep an eye on the score for this one: the two teams posted some lofty run totals in their previous games.
Panther Creek had to endure a six-game losing streak dating back to last season, but that streak is no more. Their pitchers stepped up to hand Cary a 15-0 shutout on Tuesday. Panther Creek's hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Andrea Care made a splash no matter where she played. She tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits (she also didn't allow any walks). Care was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with three RBI, a triple, and a run.
In other batting news, Panther Creek let Layla Lamar and Brooklinn Thomas loose on the outfield. Lamar got on base in all three of her plate appearances with a home run, an additional RBI, and an additional run, while Thomas scored two runs and stole three bases while getting on base in all three of her plate appearances. The team also got some help courtesy of Hannah Welborn, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 1-for-2.
Meanwhile, Apex put the finishing touches on their third blowout victory of the season on Monday. Everything went their way against Northern Durham as Apex made off with a 14-2 victory. The win made it back-to-back victories for Apex.
Like Panther Creek, Apex also got a great game from a two-way player: Alyssa Kaufman. On the mound, she struck out eight batters over six innings while giving up two earned runs off five hits (and only one walk). Kaufman has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up a single walk in six consecutive pitching appearances. Kaufman was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-2 with a stolen base, a double, and an RBI.
In other batting news, Hailey Spielman was a standout: she went 2-for-2 with a home run, two additional RBI, and an additional run. Another player making a difference was Maggie Austin, who scored three runs while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances.
Panther Creek made their fans wait, but they earned their first win of the season to make their record 1-4. As for Apex, they are on a roll lately: they've won four of their last five matchups, which provided a nice bump to their 5-2 record this season.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Tuesday as neither team is afraid to steal. Panther Creek has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Apex struggles in that department as they've been averaging 6.3 stolen bases per game. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Panther Creek came up short against Apex in their previous matchup back in April of 2023, falling 11-6. Thankfully for Panther Creek, Madeline Degnan (who struck out ten batters over seven innings while giving up six earned runs off nine hits) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
