The Maple Heights Mustangs will square off against the Bedford Bearcats at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Maple Heights took a loss when they played away from home last Tuesday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Monday. They were the clear victors by a 24-2 margin over Warrensville Heights. While the Mustangs didn't have the best season last year (they finished 1-6), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past.
Eleisha McIntyre
| 04/20/26 vs Warrensville Heights | 7 |
| 04/13/26 @ Garfield Heights | 6 |
| 04/08/26 @ Cleveland Heights | 6 |
| 04/06/26 @ Warrensville Heights | 8 |
Eleisha McIntyre was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out seven batters over four innings while giving up just two earned runs off two hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts any time she's pitched this season. She was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with four stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI.
In other batting news, Kishauna Talbot was a standout: she got on base in all four of her plate appearances with six stolen bases, three runs, and two RBI. Savannah Tyus was another key player, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with five stolen bases, three runs, and two RBI.
Maple Heights was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .625. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .375 or higher every time they've taken the field this season.
Meanwhile, Bedford got themselves on the board against Warrensville Heights on Wednesday, but Warrensville Heights never followed suit. They put the hurt on the Tigers with a sharp 22-0 win. The victory continues a trend for the Bearcats in their matchups with the Tigers: they've now won six in a row.
Like Maple Heights, Bedford also got a great game from a two-way player: Amariah Carter. She looked comfortable on the mound, keeping things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out nine over five innings pitched. That's the most strikeouts Carter has posted since back in April of 2025. She was also big at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base. Those hits marked the first that she has got this season.
In other batting news, Bedford got a massive performance out of Jamiah Earskine, who got on base in four of her five plate appearances with three runs, four RBI, and one triple. Those four RBI gave Earskine a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Zia Jackson, who got on base in all four of her plate appearances with three stolen bases, three runs, and two RBI.
The win got Bedford back to even at 3-3. As for Maple Heights, their victory bumped their record up to 4-1.
Thursday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Maple Heights has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .709. However, it's not like Bedford struggles in that department as they've averaged .549. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Maple Heights suffered a grim 16-6 defeat to Bedford in their previous meeting last Tuesday. Will the Mustangs have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.
