The Tri-Valley Vikings will take on the Richwoods Knights on Thursday. Tri-Valley is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.7 runs per game this season.
Richwoods is facing Tri-Valley at the wrong time: Tri-Valley suffered their first home loss of the season on Tuesday and they're likely out for redemption. They lost 20-5 to the Spartans. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest loss the Vikings have suffered since May 11, 2024.
Tri-Valley saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Paige Fesler, who scored a run while going 2-for-3. Fesler also hit a double, marking her first of the season.
Meanwhile, while Richwoods put up plenty of runs on Tuesday, the same can't be said for Peoria Heights. The Knights blew past the Patriots 23-0. The high-scoring effort was just what the Knights needed considering they were shut out in their previous contest.
Cici Robinson made a splash while hitting and pitching. She struck out eight batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Robinson was even better at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two triples, three runs, and four RBI.
In other batting news, Paige Sarraf was a standout: she went 1-for-2 with two stolen bases, three RBI, and two runs. Those three RBI gave her a new career-high. Sophie Gorell was another key player, scoring four runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-3.
Richwoods was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .682. That's the best batting average they've posted all season.
This is the second loss in a row for Tri-Valley and nudges their season record down to 7-2-1. As for Richwoods, their win ended a five-game drought at home dating back to last season and bumped them up to 2-7.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Thursday as neither team is afraid to steal. Tri-Valley has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.5 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Richwoods struggles in that department as they've been averaging 4.9 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.