Centennial and Arbor View are an even 5-5 against one another since May of 2021, but likely not for long. Centennial is taking a road trip to challenge Arbor View at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Centennial's pitching crew has only allowed four runs per game this season, so Arbor View's hitters will have their work cut out for them.
While Centennial's win against Bishop Gorman wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. Centennial had just enough and edged out Bishop Gorman 5-4 last Wednesday. The victory continues a trend for the Bulldogs in their matchups with the Gaels: they've now won three in a row.
Sloane Merrell
| 03/12/25 vs Bishop Gorman | 10 |
| 03/04/25 vs Arbor View | 9 |
| 03/01/25 @ Monterey | 12 |
Sloane Merrell made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She struck out ten batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned (and three unearned) runs off five hits. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't tossed less than nine strikeouts in three consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, scoring a run while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances. What's more, she posted two doubles, the most she's had since back in April of 2024.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Madden Turner, who got on base in all four of her plate appearances with one home run and one stolen base. That home run was her first of the season. The team also got some help courtesy of Hailey Smith, who scored a run while going 1-for-3.
Centennial was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .379. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .379 or higher in three consecutive matches.
Meanwhile, Arbor View came up short against Christian on Saturday and fell 8-3. The Aggies have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Arbor View saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Kelsie Phares, who went 1-for-2 with one stolen base and one RBI.
Arbor View's defeat dropped their record down to 6-4. As for Centennial, their record now sits at 6-3.
Tuesday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Centennial hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .330. However, it's not like Arbor View struggles in that department as they've averaged .330. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Centennial couldn't quite get it done against Arbor View in their previous matchup on March 4th as they fell 3-0. Can Centennial avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
