Copper Basin is 8-2 against Polk County since March of 2019 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Thursday. The Cougars will be playing in front of their home fans against the Wildcats at 5:30 p.m. Copper Basin is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 11.6 runs per game this season.
Copper Basin lost a heartbreaker the last time they played Lookout Valley, but it's fair to say they got their revenge given the result of Tuesday's game. The Cougars' pitchers stepped up to hand the Yellowjackets an 18-0 shutout on Tuesday. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Cougars.
Kinsley Ross
| 03/31/26 @ Lookout Valley | 3 |
| 03/09/26 @ Hayesville | 2 |
| 05/05/25 vs Sale Creek | 2 |
| 04/14/25 @ Polk County | 2 |
| 03/19/26 @ Hiwassee Dam | 1 |
Caitlin Pack and Kinsley Ross made a splash no matter where they played. Throwing, Pack pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Ross struck out seven batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than one earned run any time she's pitched this season. At the plate, Pack went 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI, while Ross went 2-for-4 with three RBI and one double. Those three RBI gave Ross a new career-high.
In other batting news, Riley Akens was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs, four RBI, and one stolen base. The team also got some help courtesy of Madden Beach, who went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI.
Copper Basin hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their strikeout total in three consecutive matchups.
Meanwhile, Polk County narrowly escaped with a win as the squad sidled past Murphy 1-0.
The result came thanks to Mallie Evans's shutout, as she gave up just five hits and racked up ten Ks.
Copper Basin's victory bumped their record up to 4-1. As for Polk County, the win was their first on the road, bumping their record up to 2-4.
Polk County's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Copper Basin has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .533. It's a different story for Polk County, though, as they've only averaged .318. Will they be able to contain Copper Basin's hitters?
Copper Basin was able to grind out a solid victory over Polk County when the teams last played back in April of 2025, winning 5-1. Will the Cougars repeat their success, or do the Wildcats have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
