vs
| 03/30/23 - Home | 17-0 W |
| 03/21/23 - Away | 15-0 W |
| 04/19/22 - Home | 17-2 W |
| 04/11/22 - Away | 9-8 W |
| 04/16/21 - Away | 5-3 W |
| + 5 more games |
DeSoto Central is a perfect 10-0 against Olive Branch since April of 2016 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Thursday. The Jaguars will host the Conquistadors at 5:30 p.m. DeSoto Central is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 9.3 runs per game this season.
DeSoto Central is probably headed into the match with a chip on their shoulder considering Hernando just ended the team's nine-game winning streak on Tuesday. They took a 3-0 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Tigers. Having soared to a lofty 11 runs in the game before, the Jaguars' shutout was a dramatic turnaround.
Colby Young spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and one unearned) runs on five hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances.
At the plate, DeSoto Central saw two different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Londen Armstrong, who went 1-for-3 with one double.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Olive Branch). They were the clear victors by a 23-11 margin over Horn Lake on Tuesday. The win was some much needed relief for the Conquistadors as it spelled an end to their 15-game losing streak.
Kendyl Smith was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing three innings while giving up no earned runs off three hits. What's more, she posted four strikeouts, the most she's had since back in March. She was even better at the plate, scoring three runs and stealing two bases while going 3-for-4.
In other batting news, Cedajah Woodson was a standout: she scored three runs and stole a base while going 3-for-6. That's the most runs she has posted since back in February. The team also got some help courtesy of Kristen Howard, who scored three runs and stole two bases while going 2-for-5.
Olive Branch was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .409. That's the best batting average they've posted all season.
DeSoto Central's loss was their first in the district, dropping their district record down to 9-1 and their overall record down to 22-3. As for Olive Branch, the victory was their first on the road , bumping their record up to 2-15.
Olive Branch's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: DeSoto Central hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .369. It's a different story for Olive Branch, though, as they've only averaged .253. Will they be able to contain DeSoto Central's hitters?
DeSoto Central took their win against Olive Branch in their previous matchup back in March of 2023 by a conclusive 17-0 score. Do the Jaguars have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Conquistadors turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
