Topsail is 9-1 against Ashley since May of 2018, and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Wednesday. The Topsail Pirates will head out on the road to square off against the Ashley Screaming Eagle at 6:00 p.m. Topsail is strutting in with some hitting muscle, as they've averaged 9 runs per game this season.
On Tuesday, Topsail was able to grind out a solid win over Hoggard, taking the game 8-3.
Kennedy Sloan made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she struck out nine batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off seven hits. Sloan has been consistent recently: she hasn't pitched less than five innings in five consecutive pitching appearances. Sloan was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with three RBI and a double.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Jaylyn Noble, who scored three runs and stole a base while going 2-for-4. Rylee Reuter was another key contributor, going 1-for-4 with a home run.
Meanwhile, Ashley had to endure a 12-game losing streak dating back to last season, but that streak is no more. They blew past New Hanover 20-1. Ashley's hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Like Topsail, Ashley also got a great game from a two-way player: Emerson Lee. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out eight batters over three innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits (and not a single walk). Lee was also big at the plate, scoring three runs while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances.
In other batting news, Vayda Lequire was a standout: she scored three runs and stole a base while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances. Another player making a difference was Sawyer Rigdon, who scored three runs and stole a base while getting on base in all three of her plate appearances.
Topsail's record is now 8-2. As for Ashley, their victory ended a four-game drought at home and bumped them up to 1-11.
Ashley's pitching crew has a tough task ahead of them: Topsail has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .459. It's a different story for Ashley, though, as they've only averaged .301. Will they be able to contain Topsail's hitters?
Topsail took their win against Ashley in their previous matchup back in May of 2023 by a conclusive 7-1. The rematch might be a little tougher for Topsail since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
