Shadle Park is 7-1 against Gonzaga Prep since March of 2015 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Friday. Shadle Park will square off against Gonzaga Prep at 4:00 p.m. Shadle Park is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 9.8 runs per game this season.
Shadle Park took a loss when they played away from home on Tuesday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Thursday. They blew past Cheney 24-5. The victory was a breath of fresh air for the Highlanders as it put an end to their three-game losing streak.
McKenzie Duncan made a big impact no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing five innings while giving up just two earned (and three unearned) runs off five hits. Duncan was even better at the plate, scoring four runs while getting on base in all five of her plate appearances.
Bethany Rinas
| 03/27/25 vs Cheney | 5 |
| 04/20/24 @ West Valley | 4 |
| 04/09/24 @ Rogers | 4 |
| 04/20/24 @ West Valley | 3 |
| 03/26/24 vs West Valley | 3 |
In other batting news, Bethany Rinas was incredible, getting on base in all five of her plate appearances with one home run, five RBI, and three runs. Those five RBI gave her a new career-high. Abby Smith was another key player, scoring four runs and stealing two bases while getting on base in four of her five plate appearances.
Shadle Park always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .683. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Gonzaga Prep was not able to break out of their rough patch on Thursday as the team picked up their 16th straight defeat dating back to last season. They took a 14-9 hit to the loss column at the hands of Central Valley. One positive for the Bullpups, at least, is that this was the most points they've scored all season.
Kate Van Loben Sels made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and scored three runs while going 2-for-4. She also brought in two RBI, marking her first of the season. Another player making a difference was Taryn Barbieri, who went 3-for-5 with three RBI.
Gonzaga Prep's loss dropped their record down to 0-6. As for Shadle Park, the win got them back to even at 3-3.
Gonzaga Prep's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Shadle Park has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .482. It's a different story for Gonzaga Prep, though, as they've only averaged .323. Will they be able to contain Shadle Park's hitters?
Shadle Park took their victory against Gonzaga Prep in their previous matchup back in April of 2019 by a conclusive 10-0. Will Shadle Park repeat their success, or does Gonzaga Prep has a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
