The Southampton Academy Raiders will venture away from home to challenge the Ridgecroft Rams at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Southampton Academy has given up an average of 8.6 runs per game this season, so hopefully the team got some pitching drills in this week.
Southampton Academy fell victim to Kenston Forest and their airtight pitching crew on Tuesday. They lost 17-0 to the Kavaliers. The Raiders have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Southampton Academy saw two different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Kelsey Braun, who went a perfect 1-for-1 with one double. That double was Braun's first of the season.
Meanwhile, Ridgecroft entered their tilt with Bertie on Friday with two consecutive wins , and they'll enter their next game with three. Everything went their way against the Falcons as they made off with an 8-2 win.
Klaire Cherry and Lacey Berryman made a big impact no matter where they played. Throwing, Cherry pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Berryman pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. That's the fewest hits Cherry has allowed since back in March of 2024. At bat, Cherry scored two runs and stole Two bases. while going 3-for-3, while Berryman scored a run and stole Three bases. while going 1-for-3. Cherry has been hot recently, having posted at least one stolen base the last three times she's played.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Madison Joyner, who scored a run and stole Three bases. while going 1-for-2. Hannah Slaughter was another key player, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 1-for-3.
Ridgecroft was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .429. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .370 or higher in three consecutive matchups.
Southampton Academy's loss dropped their record down to 1-3-1. As for Ridgecroft, their record is now 3-1.
Wednesday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Southampton Academy hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .406. However, it's not like Ridgecroft struggles in that department as they've averaged .371. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Southampton Academy might still be hurting after the 11-4 defeat they got from Ridgecroft when the teams last played back in March of 2024. Can Southampton Academy avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
