Bradford Prep hasn't had much luck against Pine Lake Prep recently, but that could start to change on Wednesday. The Bears will venture away from home to face off against the Pride at 4:30 p.m. Bradford Prep has given up an average of 14.8 runs per game this season, but Wednesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
The home team had won the previous three meetings between Bradford Prep and Mountain Island Charter, and Mountain Island Charter kept the tradition alive. The Bears lost 21-1 to the Raptors on Tuesday. The match marked the Bears' lowest-scoring contest so far this season.
Emma Patheal made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went a perfect 1-for-1 with one home run.
Meanwhile, Pine Lake Prep had already won two in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 18.5 runs) and they went ahead and made it three on Wednesday. They never let the Lions get on the board and left with a 15-0 victory. The Pride might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won ten games by ten runs or more this season.
Kristen Armstrong made a splash no matter where she played. She struck out six batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in five consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 1-for-2 with two runs, two RBI, and one double.
In other batting news, Emery Jensen was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with four RBI, two runs, and two doubles. She also put up a triple, which was her first of the season. Another player making a difference was Caitlin Green, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs, two doubles, and one RBI.
Pine Lake Prep always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .917. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Pine Lake Prep pushed their record up to 12-3 with the win, which was their third straight at home. The home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.0 run on average over those games. As for Bradford Prep, their defeat dropped their record down to 5-7.
Wednesday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Bradford Prep has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .536. However, it's not like Pine Lake Prep struggles in that department as they've averaged .547. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Bradford Prep suffered a grim 18-3 defeat to Pine Lake Prep in their previous matchup two weeks ago. Can the Bears avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
