Crescent Valley is 0-10 against Silverton since April of 2019 but things could change on Friday. The Raiders will challenge the Foxes at 4:30 p.m. Crescent Valley has given up an average of 12.5 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Crescent Valley fought the good fight in their extra-innings game against South Albany on Wednesday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell just short of the Redhawks by a score of 12-11. While the Raiders didn't get the win, they did start the game off strong, beating the Redhawks 8-4 in the first period.
Abby Kessler made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went a perfect 4-for-4 with one home run, four RBI, and one double. The team also got some help courtesy of Emily Hansen, who went 1-for-3 with two runs and two RBI.
Meanwhile, Silverton made easy work of West Albany on Wednesday and carried off a 13-3 win. Considering the Foxes have won nine matchups by more than six runs this season, Wednesday's blowout was nothing new.
Mckenzee Petersen was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She struck out nine batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off six hits. That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in May of 2024. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with one RBI.
In other batting news, Hannah Houts was a standout: she went 3-for-5 with three runs, two RBI, and one double. Another player making a difference was Madalynn Ehrens, who got on base in four of her five plate appearances with three runs, one double, and one RBI.
Silverton always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .523. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as West Albany only posted an OBP of .314.
Silverton is on a roll lately: they've won eight of their last ten contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 12-6 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.6 runs on average over those games. As for Crescent Valley, this is the second loss in a row for them and nudges their season record down to 6-14.
Friday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Crescent Valley has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .453. However, it's not like Silverton struggles in that department as they've averaged .458. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Crescent Valley might still be hurting after the 15-0 defeat they got from Silverton in their previous meeting back in April. Can the Raiders avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
