The Neuqua Valley Wildcats will take on the Rock Island Rocks at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. Neuqua Valley is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.1 runs per game this season.
Neuqua Valley came out on top against Waubonsie Valley on Wednesday thanks in part to the team's impressive four-run third inning. The Wildcats walked away with an 8-4 victory over the Warriors. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Wildcats.
Ava Drehs looked comfortable as she didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out six over four innings pitched. 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.
On the hitting side, Tegan Spellerberg was incredible, going 2-for-3 with two triples and three runs. That's the most triples she has posted since back in April. Ashley Pape was another key player, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with one stolen base, one run, and one double.
Meanwhile, Rock Island came tearing into Wednesday's game with four straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 7.5 runs), and they left with even more momentum. They were the clear victors by a 13-1 margin over the Pioneers. The Rocks might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won seven matches by six runs or more this season.
Maddie Carroll made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she pitched five innings while giving up just one earned run off four hits. Carroll was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with three RBI and one double.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on A'Rion Lonergan, who went 2-for-3 with two runs, two RBI, and one double. That double marked the first that she has hit this season. Another player making a difference was Jozie Kerr, who went 2-for-3 with three RBI and two doubles.
Rock Island hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team has now struck out at least five batters in six consecutive contests.
Rock Island's win was their third straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 15-6. Those road victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 0.7 runs on average over those games. As for Neuqua Valley, they now have a winning record of 10-9.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Neuqua Valley has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.8 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Rock Island struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8.2 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.
