The Mabank Panthers will venture away from home to take on the Canton Eagles at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. Mabank has given up an average of 12.4 runs per game this season, so hopefully the team got some pitching drills in this week.
Mabank is headed into Friday's game looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fourth straight game on Tuesday. They lost 18-7 to Brownsboro.
Trinity Mixon and Erin Ottmo stepped up to the plate in a big way. Mixon scored a run while going 2-for-3, while Ottmo scored two runs while going 3-for-4. Mixon also hit a double, marking her first of the season. Another player making a difference was Callie Davis, who went 3-for-4 with one RBI.
Even though they lost, Mabank was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .394. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .394 or higher in three consecutive matchups.
Athens typically has all the answers at home, but on Tuesday Canton proved too difficult a challenge. They never let the Hornets get on the board and left with a 15-0 victory. The result was nothing new for the Eagles, who have now won eight contests by seven runs or more so far this season.
Kai Hudson was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, keeping things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out seven over four innings pitched. What's more, she gave up only zero hits, the fewest she's had over her last six games. She was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs and stealing a base while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances. She has been hot recently, having posted at least one stolen base the last three times she's played.
In other batting news, Chloe Howe was a standout: she scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-3. Mya Wheeler was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing a base while getting on base in all three of her plate appearances.
Canton has been performing well recently as they've won nine of their last 12 matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 11-5-2 record this season. The wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.8 runs on average over those games. Mabank's loss dropped their record down to 5-10.
Friday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Mabank has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .535. However, it's not like Canton struggles in that department as they've averaged .454. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Mabank suffered a grim 15-0 defeat to Canton when the teams last played back in April of 2024. Can Mabank avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
