Newberry hasn't had much luck against Chiefland recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Newberry Panthers will venture away from home to face off against the Chiefland Indians at 6:00 p.m. The teams are on pretty different trajectories at the moment (Newberry has nine straight victories, Chiefland has five straight defeats), but none of that matters once you're on the field.
Newberry had to skate by with only a two-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the nine-run drubbing they dealt Buchholz on Tuesday. Newberry was the clear victors by an 11-2 margin over Buchholz. The Panthers might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won five matches by seven runs or more this season.
Madison Rodgers was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowed only two hits over five innings pitched. She has been consistent : she hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with two RBI. That's the most hits she has posted since back in February of 2024.
In other batting news, Gracie Mattson and Olivia Tharp did most of the damage at the plate: Mattson scored two runs and stole a base while going 4-for-4, while Tharp scored two runs and stole Two bases. while going 2-for-3. What's more, Tharp posted two RBI, the most she's had since back in April of 2024. Another player making a difference was Malana Kennard, who scored a run and stole Two bases. while getting on base in three of her five plate appearances.
Newberry always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .550. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Buchholz only posted an OBP of .259.
Meanwhile, Chiefland fell victim to Bronson and their airtight pitching crew on Tuesday. They lost 8-0 to the Eagles.
Anna Jane Meeks spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered six earned (and two unearned) runs on six hits and racked up 12 Ks.
Newberry's win was their fifth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 9-0. Those victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.8 runs on average over those games. As for Chiefland, their loss dropped their record down to 3-8.
Everything went Newberry's way against Chiefland when the teams last played back in February, as Newberry made off with a 15-5 victory. The rematch might be a little tougher for Newberry since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
