The Westmont Sentinels will venture away from home to square off against the Aurora Christian Eagles at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Westmont has given up an average of 9.8 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Westmont will bounce into Thursday's matchup after beating Rosary, who they had gone 0-3 against in their three prior meetings. The Sentinels came out on top against the Royals by a score of 20-17 on Tuesday. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Sentinels.
Cate Jackson was a standout: she went 4-for-5 with three runs, four RBI, and two doubles. She continues to improve, besting her previous run total in each of the last three games she's played. Another player making a difference was Grace Detente, who got on base in five of her six plate appearances with four stolen bases, four runs, and three RBI.
They weren't the only ones making solid contact: Westmont kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 16 hits. That's the most hits they've posted since the start of last season.
Aurora Christian couldn't beat Wheaton Academy on Wednesday even though they stacked seven runs on them in the fourth inning. The Eagles came up short against the Warriors, falling 27-12. The Eagles have struggled against the Warriors recently, as the game was their third consecutive lost meeting.
Madi Kossakowski and Jada Vizcaya did some serious damage despite the final result: Kossakowski went a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI, while Vizcaya went 2-for-4 with three RBI, one triple, and one run. That triple was Vizcaya's first of the season. Kaytlin Kelly was another key player, going 1-for-3 with two RBI and one run.
Aurora Christian's loss dropped their record down to 3-10. As for Westmont, their record now sits at 7-5.
Thursday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Westmont has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .546. However, it's not like Aurora Christian struggles in that department as they've averaged .502. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Westmont suffered a grim 22-4 defeat to Aurora Christian in their previous meeting last Tuesday. Can the Sentinels avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.