Champion has won six straight games at home (dating back to last season), while Boardman has won six straight on the road, but those streaks won't matter much on Saturday. The Golden Flashes will host the Spartans at 11:00 a.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
On Thursday, Champion got the win against Southeast by a conclusive 13-1.
Gabrielle Gradishar was a major factor no matter where she played. She didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out 13 over five innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up a single earned run in seven consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 1-for-2 with two RBI and one run.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Jonna Strock, who fired off two home runs and four RBI while going 3-for-3. Sam Strock was another key player, going 2-for-4 with one home run, five RBI, and two runs.
Champion lost a few balls and finished the game with three home runs. That's the most home runs they've posted since back in May of 2024.
Meanwhile, Boardman made easy work of Howland on Thursday and carried off a 9-3 win.
Like Champion, Boardman also got a great game from a two-way player: Tori Strines. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing four innings while giving up just two earned runs off two hits. Strines was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with one stolen base, one run, and one double.
In other batting news, Kenzie Cherne was excellent, going 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBI. That's the most hits she has posted since back in May of 2024. Another player making a difference was Alex Ward, who went 3-for-4 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run.
Boardman's victory bumped their record up to 12-2. As for Champion, their win bumped their record up to 9-0.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Saturday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Champion has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 11.9 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Boardman struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.3 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Champion skirted past Boardman 4-3 in their previous matchup back in April of 2021. Will the Golden Flashes repeat their success, or do the Spartans have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
