Ferris is 0-8 against Shadle Park since April of 2015 but things could change on Thursday. The Saxons will challenge the Highlanders at 4:00 p.m. Keep an eye on the score for this one: the two teams posted some lofty run totals in their previous games.
Ferris barely beat Gonzaga Prep the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. The Saxons were the clear victors by an 18-3 margin over the Bullpups on Wednesday. The win was a breath of fresh air for the Saxons as it put an end to their three-game losing streak.
Frankie Schone made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She struck out six batters over five innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off five hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent : she hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, scoring three runs and stealing two bases while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances. Those stolen bases were her first of the season.
In other batting news, Tori Norling was a standout: she went 2-for-4 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. Those runs marked the first that she scored this season. Donyelle Strauss was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing four bases while going 2-for-3.
Ferris always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .568. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Shadle Park got the win against Gonzaga Prep on Friday by a conclusive 21-11. The Highlanders haven't had any issues with the Bullpups recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive victory against them.
Like Ferris, Shadle Park also got a great game from a two-way player: McKenzie Duncan. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing six innings while giving up just one earned (and ten unearned) runs off ten hits. Duncan was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs while getting on base in two of her five plate appearances.
In other batting news, Shadle Park got a massive performance out of Madi Keon, who went a perfect 5-for-5 with five RBI, three doubles, and two runs. Those three doubles gave Keon a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Abby Smith, who scored four runs and stole two bases while getting on base in five of her six plate appearances.
Shadle Park now has a winning record of 4-3. As for Ferris, their record is now 3-5-1.
Thursday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Ferris hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .320. However, it's not like Shadle Park struggles in that department as they've averaged .376. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Ferris suffered a grim 8-1 defeat to Shadle Park when the teams last played back in April of 2019. Can the Saxons avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
