The East Hamilton Hurricanes will challenge the Walker Valley Mustangs at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
East Hamilton gave up the first runs on Tuesday, but they didn't let that get them down. They were the clear victors by a 16-6 margin over Howard Tech. The win continues a trend for the Hurricanes in their matchups with the Hustlin' Tigers: they've now won seven in a row.
Bri Nichols was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she struck out six batters over seven innings while giving up five earned (and one unearned) runs off nine hits (and only one walk). Nichols was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-5 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run.
In other batting news, Kat Woody was a standout: she went 3-for-5 with two stolen bases, three runs, and one double. Those two stolen bases gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Sarah Farris, who went 2-for-5 with one home run, two runs, and one stolen base.
East Hamilton kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 13 hits. That's a new trend for them: they were averaging 5.6 hits per game earlier this season, but in their last 15 contests they've averaged 9.8.
Meanwhile, Walker Valley got themselves on the board against Cleveland on Tuesday, but Cleveland never followed suit. They were the clear victors by an 11-0 margin over the Blue Raiders.
Like East Hamilton, Walker Valley also got a great game from a two-way player: Anzleigh Battle. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits (and not a single walk). Battle was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with three runs, two doubles, and two RBI.
In other pitching news, Haley Davis looked comfortable as she pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks any time she's pitched this season.
Back at the plate, the team relied heavily on Vanessa Byers, who fired off two home runs while going 2-for-4. Morgan Rice was another key player, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three doubles.
East Hamilton's victory bumped their record up to 8-4. As for Walker Valley, their win bumped their record up to 11-2.
