The Pettisville Blackbirds will take on the North Central Eagles in a tournament on Wednesday. Pettisville's hitters has struggled lately (they haven't scored a run in three consecutive games), something the team is no doubt ready to change.
Ayersville hit Pettisville with a four-run sixth inning on Monday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Blackbirds came up short against the Pilots, falling 10-0.
Fans were treated to a battle of the Eagles on Monday. North Central put the hurt on Gorham Fayette with a sharp 20-2 win. Considering North Central has won five matchups by more than nine runs this season, Monday's blowout was nothing new.
Amara Wright was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out eight batters over five innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off three hits (and not a single walk). She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, getting on base in three of her five plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base.
In other batting news, Bre Gendron was incredible, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with one home run, three runs, and four RBI. Another player making a difference was Addyson Turner, who went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, three runs, and two RBI.
North Central hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Gorham Fayette struck out eight times.
Pettisville's loss dropped their record down to 11-8. As for North Central, their victory ended a three-game drought at home and bumped them up to 6-10.
North Central's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Pettisville has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .466. It's a different story for North Central, though, as they've only averaged .356. Will they be able to contain Pettisville's hitters?
Pettisville took their win against North Central when the teams last played back in April by a conclusive 11-2 score. Will the Blackbirds repeat their success, or do the Eagles have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
