The Malakoff Tigers will square off against the Brook Hill Guard at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (Malakoff 4, Brook Hill 1.5) so any runs scored will be well earned.
Tuesday just wasn't the day for Malakoff's offense. They came up short against Mineola on Tuesday, falling 15-0. The pitching woes were uncharacteristic for the Tigers, who until this game were averaging four runs allowed.
Malakoff saw two different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Kylie Miller, who went 1-for-2 with one double.
Meanwhile, after a string of 13 wins, Brook Hill's good fortune finally ran out on Thursday. They fell just short of Wills Point by a score of 5-3. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest loss the Guard have suffered since March 24, 2025.
Brook Hill also got a good showing from Carli Hays, who pitched two innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits. Hays has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two hits any time she's pitched this season.
On the hitting side, Ava Pitts was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-3 with one home run, two RBI, and one double.
Brook Hill's defeat dropped their record down to 14-2-1. As for Malakoff, their loss dropped their record down to 17-8.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Malakoff has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.6 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Brook Hill struggles in that department as they've been averaging 6.9 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Malakoff couldn't quite get it done against Brook Hill when the teams last played back in February of 2023 as they fell 6-1. Will the Tigers have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.