Warren has won five straight games at home, while Monticello has won five straight on the road, but those streaks won't matter much on Thursday. The Lumberjacks will host the Billies at 5:00 p.m. Warren is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.2 runs per game this season.
Warren came out on top against Crossett on Tuesday thanks in part to the team's impressive four-run fifth inning. The Lumberjacks took their contest against the Eagles 7-3.
Brooklyne Mcvay spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned runs on nine hits.
At the plate, Ember Johnson was incredible, going 2-for-3 with one home run, three runs, and three RBI. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in March. Another player making a difference was Haven Johnson, who went 2-for-4 with one run and one double.
Warren hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. The team has now struck out at least five batters in four consecutive matchups.
Meanwhile, Monticello put their dominant pitcher on display in the team's third consecutive shutout on Tuesday. They never let Star City get on the board and left with a 13-0 win. Considering the Billies have won 11 games by more than eight runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
Addi Frazer made a splash while hitting and pitching. She didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit over 4.2 innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two hits in four consecutive appearances. She was even better at the plate, firing off two home runs, six RBI, and one double while going 3-for-4.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Libby Kingston, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with four runs, two doubles, and one stolen base. She has been hot recently, having posted three or more hits the last three times she's played. Halle Ross was another key player, going 1-for-2 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.
Warren's victory bumped their record up to 13-7. As for Monticello, their win bumped their record up to 14-1.
Thursday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Warren hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .314. However, it's not like Monticello struggles in that department as they've averaged .414. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Warren suffered a grim 15-2 defeat to Monticello in their previous meeting on April 7th. Will the Lumberjacks have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.