The Columbiana Clippers will challenge the Southeast Pirates at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Columbiana took a loss when they played away from home on Thursday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Monday. They never let Cardinal Mooney get on the board and left with a 15-0 victory.
Caitlynn Pleska made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She didn't allow a single earned run over five innings pitched. She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than two walks in ten consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, firing off two home runs, five RBI, and three runs while going 3-for-4.
In other batting news, Maryn Hepler was incredible, going a perfect 4-for-4 with three runs, one stolen base, and one double. Another player making a difference was Ella Dota, who went 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI.
Columbiana lost a few balls and finished the game with four home runs. That's the most home runs they've posted since back in April of 2024.
Meanwhile, Southeast made easy work of Chagrin Falls on Tuesday and carried off a 17-1 win.
Like Columbiana, Southeast also got a great game from a two-way player: Liv Bragg. On the mound, she pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. Bragg was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with one run.
In other batting news, Southeast got a massive performance out of Bella Mowery, who went 2-for-3 with three runs, one triple, and one RBI. That's the most hits Mowery has posted since back in March. Morgan Muncy was another key player, going a perfect 3-for-3 with one triple, one run, and one double.
Columbiana's victory was their ninth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 19-6. Those home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.7 runs over those games. As for Southeast, they have been performing incredibly well recently as they've won six of their last seven matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 16-6 record this season.
Thursday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Columbiana hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .435. However, it's not like Southeast struggles in that department as they've averaged .341. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.
