The McComb Panthers will be taking part in a tournament against the North Baltimore Tigers at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. McComb is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 13.2 runs per game this season.
On Thursday, McComb got the win against Arlington by a conclusive 15-5. The Panthers haven't had any issues with the Red Devils recently, as the game was their seventh consecutive win against them.
Joruney Scheff was a standout: she went 2-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and three RBI. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in April. Peyton Dingledine was another key player, going 4-for-5 with two stolen bases, three runs, and two RBI.
They weren't the only ones making solid contact: McComb kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 14 hits. They are 12-1 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, North Baltimore earned a 7-4 victory over Allen East on Wednesday.
Allena Lennard spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and two unearned) runs on eight hits and racked up seven Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Jayme Zeigler, who went 1-for-3 with one home run and three RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Avery Benedict, who went 1-for-4 with two runs and one double.
North Baltimore's win bumped their record up to 14-7. As for McComb, their victory bumped their record up to 13-8.
Friday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. McComb has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .493. However, it's not like North Baltimore struggles in that department as they've averaged .443. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
McComb might still be hurting after the 13-2 loss they got from North Baltimore when the teams last played back in April of 2023. Can the Panthers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.