University Liggett hasn't had much luck against Lutheran North recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Knights will face off against the Mustangs at 4:30 p.m. University Liggett has given up an average of 7.4 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
University Liggett fell victim to Grosse Pointe South and their airtight pitching crew on Tuesday. They lost 15-0 to the Blue Devils. Having soared to a lofty 14 runs in the game before, the Knights' shutout was a dramatic turnaround.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Lutheran North). They were the clear victors by a 20-1 margin over Romeo last Tuesday. With that victory, the Mustangs brought their scoring average up to 8 runs per game.
Elise Mantay made a splash while hitting and pitching. She struck out six batters over four innings while giving up just one earned run off one hit (and only one walk). Mantay was also stellar in the batter's box, going a perfect 4-for-4 with one home run, four runs, and four RBI. Those four runs gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, Addison Wodowski was incredible, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with three runs, one triple, and one RBI. That's the most runs she has posted since back in May of 2024. Another player making a difference was Mikenna Campisi, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs and two RBI.
Lutheran North always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .676. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
The win was the third in a row for Lutheran North, bringing their record up to 5-1. Those victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.0 runs on average over those games. As for University Liggett, their defeat dropped their record down to 4-4.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. University Liggett has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.1 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Lutheran North struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8.5 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
University Liggett might still be hurting after the 11-0 loss they got from Lutheran North when the teams last played back in May of 2024. Can the Knights avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
