The Eufaula Tigers will head out on the road to take on the Headland Rams at 4:00 p.m. on Friday.
Eufaula couldn't beat Pike County on Thursday even though they stacked four runs on them in the third inning. The Tigers fell just short of the Bulldogs by a score of 9-8.
Emerson Faircloth stepped up to lead a balanced group of hitters: she went 1-for-4 with four stolen bases and two runs. The team also got some help courtesy of Yamyah Fryer, who went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, one run, and one double.
Meanwhile, Headland hadn't done well against Ashford recently (they were 1-8 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Tuesday. The Rams put the hurt on the Yellowjackets with a sharp 14-2 victory. The result was nothing new for the Rams, who have now won 11 games by six runs or more so far this season.
Shaylee Greathouse made a splash while hitting and pitching. She pitched five innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off five hits. She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than one walk in six consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 3-for-5 with three RBI and one run. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in March.
In other pitching news, Mally Arnold looked comfortable as she pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances.
Back at the plate, Harlee Raley was incredible, going 2-for-3 with three runs, three RBI, and one stolen base. Those three runs gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Addison Grantham, who went 1-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.
The win made it two in a row for Headland and bumps their season record up to 16-13. Those victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered a grand total of 4 runs in those games. As for Eufaula, they have been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 15-20 record this season.
Friday's match will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Eufaula hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .320. However, it's not like Headland struggles in that department as they've averaged .373. 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.
