North Point hasn't had much luck against Leonardtown recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Eagles will challenge the Raiders at 4:30 p.m. North Point is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.4 runs per game this season.
North Point is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Thursday. They never let Suitland get on the board and left with a 21-0 win. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Eagles.
Alyssa Blaney made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, keeping things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out 13 over five innings pitched. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up a single earned run in four consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going a perfect 4-for-4 with one home run, four runs, and four RBI. What's more, she posted two doubles, the most she's had since back in March.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Aminah Ayyad, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs, one triple, and two RBI. She also hit a double, marking her first of the season. Emily Yanick was another key player, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with one triple and one RBI.
North Point was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .560. They are a perfect 8-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Meanwhile, it may have taken nine innings to finish the job, but Leonardtown ultimately got the result they hoped for on Tuesday. They came out on top in a nail-biter against Chopticon, sneaking past 3-2. Winning may never get old, but the Raiders sure are getting used to it with their 11th in a row.
Claire Radford spent all nine innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and one unearned) run on three hits and racked up 11 Ks.
On the hitting side, Vanessa Brooks was excellent, getting on base in three of her five plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base. Another player making a difference was Kendall Wathen, who went 2-for-4 with one stolen base and one RBI.
Leonardtown's victory was their 11th straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 18-1. Those home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.4 runs over those games. As for North Point, their record is now 12-8.
Monday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. North Point has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .454. However, it's not like Leonardtown struggles in that department as they've averaged .454. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
North Point suffered a grim 11-0 defeat to Leonardtown when the teams last played on Monday. Can the Eagles avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
