The Nelson County Cardinals will head out on the road to challenge the Ballard Bruins at 5:45 p.m. on Thursday. Nelson County's hitters haven't had much luck over their past four matchups, but Thursday's contest will give them a chance to turn things around.
Nelson County made up a huge gap compared to their last game against Central Hardin, but they still couldn't quite topple them. The Cardinals fell just short of the Bruins by a score of 4-2 on Monday.
Aubrey Robbins was huge while hitting and pitching even without the win. She struck out eight batters over six innings while giving up just two earned (and two unearned) runs off six hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than two walks in nine consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with one stolen base and one run.
Robbins wasn't the only one making solid contact as four players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Brin Reccius, who went 1-for-3 with two RBI and one double.
Meanwhile, Ballard waltzed into their game on Wednesday with two straight wins... but they left with three. They blew past the Mustangs 13-2. Considering the Bruins have won 13 contests by more than five runs this season, Wednesday's blowout was nothing new.
Like Nelson County, Ballard also got a great game from a two-way player: Jaedyn Lyons. On the mound, Lyons didn't allow a single earned run over four innings pitched. Meanwhile, Emery Schuster pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. At bat, Lyons got on base in all five of her plate appearances with two doubles, two RBI, and one run, while Schuster went 2-for-5 with two RBI, one run, and one double. What's more, Lyons posted three hits, the most she's had since back in April.
In other batting news, Shelby James and Matilda Gorley did most of the damage at the plate: James went 3-for-5 with three stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI, while Gorley went 3-for-5 with two runs, two doubles, and two RBI. That's the most hits Gorley has posted since back in March. The team also got some help courtesy of Aubrie Newton, who went 2-for-4 with two RBI and one double.
Ballard always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .548. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as North Oldham only posted an OBP of .200.
Nelson County's loss dropped their record down to 20-7-1. As for Ballard, their record is now 19-11.
Thursday's match will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Nelson County hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .392. However, it's not like Ballard struggles in that department as they've averaged .380. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.
