The Wagener-Salley War Eagles will square off against the American Leadership Academy Patriots at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Wagener-Salley is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.1 runs per game this season.
American Leadership Academy will be up against a hot Wagener-Salley squad: the team just extended their winning streak to three. The War Eagles put the hurt on Ridge Spring-Monetta with a sharp 15-7 win on Tuesday. Considering the War Eagles have won seven matchups by more than seven runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
Kylee Hooker made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she struck out nine batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned (and five unearned) runs off eight hits. She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks in eight consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in three of her five plate appearances with three RBI, one run, and one double.
In other batting news, Makenley Walling was incredible, going 2-for-4 with three runs, one stolen base, and one double. Another player making a difference was Sasha Harris, who went 3-for-4 with two runs and one RBI.
Wagener-Salley kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 13 hits. That's a new trend for them: they were averaging 4.7 hits per game earlier this season, but in their last 15 games they've averaged 9.
Meanwhile, American Leadership Academy came into Thursday's contest having lost eight straight, but that streak is now in the rearview. They narrowly escaped with a victory as the team sidled past Heathwood Hall Episcopal 5-3.
Ellie Beers spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three runs (all of which were unearned) on five hits and racked up nine Ks.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Ashleigh Fronden, who went 2-for-3 with one home run, two runs, and one stolen base. The team also got some help courtesy of Blakely Buol, who went 2-for-3 with two RBI.
The win got Wagener-Salley back to even at 9-9. As for American Leadership Academy, their victory bumped their record up to 6-17-1.
American Leadership Academy's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Wagener-Salley has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .438. It's a different story for American Leadership Academy, though, as they've only averaged .336. Will they be able to contain Wagener-Salley's hitters?
Wagener-Salley suffered a grim 13-4 defeat to American Leadership Academy when the teams last played back in February. Will the War Eagles have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
