The Keystone Heights Indians will face off against the University Christian Christians at 6:00 p.m. on Monday. Keystone Heights' hitters haven't had much luck over their past four matches, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Last Thursday, Keystone Heights came up short against Fleming Island and fell 6-1.
Keystone Heights saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Bella Cumbo, who scored a run and stole a base while going 1-for-2.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask University Christian). Their pitchers stepped up to hand Riverside a 26-0 shutout on Tuesday. Considering the Christians have won ten contests by more than nine runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
Dixie Tessier and Piper Tessier made a splash no matter where they played. On the mound, Tessier pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Piper tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Dixie has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 13 consecutive appearances. At the plate, Tessier went 3-for-4 with seven RBI, four runs, and two doubles, while Piper scored three runs while going 1-for-2. Those seven RBI gave Dixie a new career-high.
In other batting news, Elissa Murdock was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two triples, three runs, and four RBI. Those three hits gave her a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Ava Surles, who got on base in all three of her plate appearances with two runs, one triple, and two RBI.
University Christian always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .750. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
University Christian's victory was their 12th straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 13-3. The home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 0.7 runs on average over those games. As for Keystone Heights, their defeat dropped their record down to 6-11.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Monday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Keystone Heights has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.6 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like University Christian struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 6.9 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Keystone Heights might still be hurting after the 13-1 loss they got from University Christian when the teams last played back in April of 2023. Will the Indians have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
