Lansing Catholic is 2-8 against Eaton Rapids since May of 2016 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Tuesday. The Cougars will take on the Greyhounds at 4:00 p.m. Lansing Catholic is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8 runs per game this season.
Lansing Catholic proved they can win big on Tuesday (they won by 18) and on Thursday they proved they can win the close ones too. They skirted past Mason 5-4. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Cougars have posted since April 25, 2024.
Zoey Gruber made a big impact no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over seven innings while giving up four earned runs off six hits. Gruber was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with one triple, two RBI, and one run.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Avery Dunneback, who got on base in all four of her plate appearances with one stolen base and one run. Austynn Arellano was another key player, going 1-for-3 with two runs.
Meanwhile, Eaton Rapids waltzed into their game on Thursday with six straight wins... but they left with seven. They put the hurt on the Redwings with a sharp 15-0 win. The Greyhounds might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won ten contests by six runs or more this season.
Like Lansing Catholic, Eaton Rapids also got a great game from a two-way player: Kalli Ordiway. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out nine over four innings pitched. Ordiway has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two hits in four consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 1-for-2 with one home run, three stolen bases, and three runs. Those three runs gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, Mallory Smith was incredible, going a perfect 4-for-4 with five stolen bases, three runs, and three RBI. Those five stolen bases gave her a new career-high. Madaelen Putnam also deserves some recognition as she hit her first double of the season.
Eaton Rapids always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .552. They are a perfect 10-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Eaton Rapids' victory was their fifth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 12-3. The home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 14.4 runs over those games. As for Lansing Catholic, their record now sits at 4-2.
Tuesday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Lansing Catholic has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .503. However, it's not like Eaton Rapids struggles in that department as they've averaged .508. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Lansing Catholic beat Eaton Rapids 3-0 when the teams last played back in April of 2024. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Cougars since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
