The Northside Christian Lions will head out to challenge the Delaware Christian Eagles at 5:30 p.m. on Monday. Keep an eye on the score for this one: the two teams posted some lofty run totals in their previous games.
On Thursday, Northside Christian made easy work of Liberty Christian Academy and carried off a 19-4 win.
Molly Ford made a big impact no matter where she played. On the mound, she tossed five innings while giving up three earned (and one unearned) runs off only one hit. Ford was also stellar in the batter's box, going a perfect 3-for-3 with five stolen bases, four runs, and four RBI.
In other batting news, Claire Kester was a standout: she went a perfect 3-for-3 with three stolen bases, four runs, and two RBI. Sofia Stafford was another key player, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with two stolen bases, three RBI, and one double.
Northside Christian always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .730. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Liberty Christian Academy only posted an OBP of .400.
Meanwhile, Delaware Christian got the win against Wellington School on Friday by a conclusive 14-4. Considering the Eagles have won three matchups by more than nine runs this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.
Like Northside Christian, Delaware Christian also got a great game from a two-way player: Ava Hovda. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching five innings while giving up just two earned (and two unearned) runs off eight hits. Hovda was even better at the plate, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base. That triple marked the first that she has hit this season.
In other batting news, Claire Costello and Cosette Stump did most of the damage at the plate: Costello went 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, three RBI, and two runs, while Stump went 2-for-3 with three runs, one triple, and one stolen base. Those three RBI gave Costello a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Anna Carroll, who went 2-for-3 with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base.
The victory made it two in a row for Delaware Christian and bumps their season record up to 3-5. The wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered a grand total of 4 runs in those games. As for Northside Christian, their victory (their first of the season) made their record 1-2.
Monday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Northside Christian hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .333. However, it's not like Delaware Christian struggles in that department as they've averaged .386. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
