The Volunteer Falcons are taking a road trip to challenge the Grainger Grizzlies at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. Volunteer will be looking to extend their current six-game winning streak.
Volunteer took a 14-run defeat the last time they faced off against Daniel Boone, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Falcons narrowly escaped with a win as the team sidled past the Trailblazers 3-1. Surprisingly, this marked the Falcons' fifth straight game in which the away team has come away the victor.
Addyson Fisher spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered a run (which was unearned) on one hit and racked up nine Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks any time she's pitched this season.
On the hitting side, Volunteer saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Jayden Ford, who went 1-for-3 with one run and one RBI.
Volunteer hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Daniel Boone struck out nine times.
Meanwhile, Grainger made easy work of Claiborne on Thursday and carried off a 14-1 victory. The result was nothing new for the Grizzlies, who have now won five matchups by six runs or more so far this season.
Amanda Kledzik was incredible, going 2-for-4 with four runs and two stolen bases. Those four runs gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was McKinley Mills, who earned one RBI and two runs.
Volunteer's win was their fifth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 17-3. Those road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.6 runs over those games. As for Grainger, the win made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 11-5.
Friday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Volunteer has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .511. However, it's not like Grainger struggles in that department as they've averaged .447. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Everything went Volunteer's way against Grainger when the teams last played last Thursday, as Volunteer made off with an 11-0 victory. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Falcons since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
