The Southwest Trojans will head out on the road to take on the Clever Blue Jays at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Southwest is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.6 runs per game this season.
On Tuesday, Southwest made easy work of Verona and carried off a 16-1 win. The result was nothing new for the Trojans, who have now won six matches by eight runs or more so far this season.
Kaleigh Tull
| 04/22/25 vs Verona | 6 |
| 04/17/25 @ Jasper | 9 |
| 04/14/25 vs Crane | 7 |
| 04/10/25 @ Hurley | 6 |
Kaleigh Tull was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out six batters over three innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits (and not a single walk). She has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in four consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with three stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Raeli Miles, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with two stolen bases, four RBI, and two runs. That's the most hits she has posted since back in March. Gracie Swanepoel also deserves some recognition as she hit her first triple of the season.
Southwest always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .654. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Clever came out on top against Springfield Catholic on Tuesday thanks in part to the team's impressive four-run first inning. The Blue Jays skirted past the Fighting Irish 8-7. Eight seems to be a good number for the Blue Jays as the team scooped up a victory with the same number of runs in their previous game.
Ava Mittag spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered five earned (and two unearned) runs on 11 hits.
At the plate, Taylor Thompson was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three RBI, one run, and one double. Maycee King was another key player, going 1-for-3 with one run, one double, and one RBI.
Clever is on a roll lately: they've won ten of their last 11 games. That's provided a nice bump to their 15-4 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.5 runs over those games. As for Southwest, their victory ended a four-game drought at home and bumped them up to 7-6.
Thursday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Southwest has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .461. However, it's not like Clever struggles in that department as they've averaged .464. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Southwest suffered a grim 16-0 defeat to Clever in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Can the Trojans avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
