The Lampasas Badgers will venture away from home to face off against the Gateway College Preparatory Gators at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Lampasas is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.6 runs per game this season.
On Tuesday, Lampasas didn't have quite enough to beat Taylor and fell 9-8.
Meanwhile, Gateway College Preparatory waltzed into their contest on Tuesday with three straight wins... but they left with four. Their pitcher stepped up to hand the Cougars a 15-0 shutout. The result was nothing new for the Gators, who have now won ten matchups by six runs or more so far this season.
Chloe Ellis was a major factor no matter where she played. She pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in four consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, firing off two home runs and four RBI while going 2-for-3. That's the most home runs she has posted since back in March of 2024.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Makenzie Rogers, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, three runs, and two RBI. That's the most runs she has posted since back in February. Natalee VanTassel was another key player, scoring three runs while going 2-for-2.
Gateway College Preparatory always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .769. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Gateway College Preparatory's victory was their fifth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 18-1-2. Those home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.0 run on average over those games. As for Lampasas, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost nine of their last 12 games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 11-13 record this season.
Friday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Lampasas has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .447. However, it's not like Gateway College Preparatory struggles in that department as they've averaged .443. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Lampasas suffered a grim 19-0 defeat to Gateway College Preparatory when the teams last played back in March. Can the Badgers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
