Washington County is 0-5 against Marion County since March of 2015 but things could change on Friday. The Commanders will head out to challenge the Knights at 6:00 p.m. Washington County will be strutting in after a win while Marion County will be coming in after a loss.
Washington County will roll into the game after a wild two-game stretch: they only put up one run last Wednesday, then bounced right back against John Hardin on Monday. The Commanders were the clear victors by a 17-7 margin over the Bulldogs. The high-scoring performance was a welcome turnaround for the Commanders' hitters, who had struggled in the games prior.
Ashtyn Baker
| 04/28/25 @ John Hardin | 3 |
| 03/29/25 vs Green County | 2 |
| 04/01/25 @ Taylor County | 1 |
| 03/31/25 @ Campbellsville | 1 |
| 03/27/25 @ Thomas Nelson | 1 |
Ashtyn Baker made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She pitched seven innings while giving up four earned (and three unearned) runs off five hits. Baker was even better at the plate, getting on base in all five of her plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and one triple. The dominant performance also gave her a new career-high in hits (three).
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Ariana Gonzales, who got on base in five of her six plate appearances with five RBI, three runs, and two doubles. That's the most doubles she has posted since back in March. Chloe Riley also deserves some recognition as she got her first hit of the season.
Green County hit Marion County with a six-run seventh inning on Thursday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Knights fell just short of the Dragons by a score of 9-7. The Knights have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Like Washington County, Marion County also got a great game from a two-way player: Gracyn Mattingly. On the mound, she struck out six batters over four innings while giving up just one earned run off six hits (and only one walk). Mattingly was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with one double.
In other batting news, Kendall Thompson was cooking despite her team's loss, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs, two RBI, and one double. Another player making a difference was Chloe Cox, who went 2-for-4 with four RBI and one double.
Washington County's victory ended a ten-game drought on the road and puts them at 3-16. As for Marion County, their defeat dropped their record down to 9-6.
Friday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Washington County has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .431. However, it's not like Marion County struggles in that department as they've averaged .442. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Washington County suffered a grim 20-5 defeat to Marion County in their previous matchup back in March. Can the Commanders avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
