Liberty is 0-10 against Independence since May of 2021 but things could change on Monday. The Raiders will challenge the Patriots at 5:30 p.m. Liberty is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.9 runs per game this season.
Liberty proved they can win big on Tuesday (they won by 15) and on Thursday they proved they can win the close ones too. They skirted past Midland Trail 4-2. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Raiders have posted since April 20, 2024.
Maddie Cox
| 04/24/25 @ Midland Trail | 9 |
| 04/19/25 @ Woodrow Wilson | 5 |
| 04/17/25 vs Sherman | 9 |
| 04/16/25 @ Shady Spring | 6 |
| 04/14/25 vs Wyoming East | 5 |
Maddie Cox spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned runs on four hits and racked up nine Ks. She has been consistent: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in five consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Liberty's win was truly a team effort as five different players contributed at least one hit. One of them was McKinlea Hill, who went 2-for-4 with one run.
Meanwhile, Independence got the win against Mingo Central on Saturday by a conclusive 9-1. Considering the Patriots have won 13 matchups by more than six runs this season, Saturday's blowout was nothing new.
Kenzie Pierce tossed a big game, striking out seven batters over five innings while giving up just one earned run off four hits (and not a single walk).
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Emma Lilly, who went 2-for-3 with two runs, one triple, and two RBI. Another player making a difference was Ava Parks, who went 2-for-3 with two runs, two doubles, and one RBI.
Independence was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .381. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .345 or higher in three consecutive games.
Liberty has been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 10-6 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.0 runs over those games. As for Independence, their record now sits at 16-7.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Monday as neither team is afraid to steal. Liberty has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.6 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Independence struggles in that department as they've been averaging 4.1 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Liberty suffered a grim 14-1 defeat to Independence in their previous meeting on April 8th. Can the Raiders avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
