The Hermitage Hermits will head out to face off against the Lafayette County Cougars at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.
Having struggled with seven losses in a row, Hermitage turned things around against Emerson on Friday. Their pitcher stepped up to hand the Pirates a 24-0 shutout. The high-scoring performance was a welcome turnaround for the Hermits' hitters, who had struggled in the games prior.
Aubrey Ramos was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She struck out eight batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and not a single walk). Ramos was also big at the plate, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with four stolen bases, four runs, and one RBI.
In other batting news, Madison Outlaw was a standout: she got on base in all four of her plate appearances with one home run, five stolen bases, and four runs. That home run marked the first that she has launched this season. Kayleea Keller was another key player, going a perfect 4-for-4 with six stolen bases, three RBI, and two runs.
Hermitage kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 14 hits. That's the most hits they've managed all season.
Meanwhile, Lafayette County hadn't done well against Emerson recently (they were 1-8 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Monday. The Cougars put the hurt on the Pirates with a sharp 11-5 victory. The result was nothing new for the Cougars, who have now won three games by six runs or more so far this season.
Like Hermitage, Lafayette County also got a great game from a two-way player: Saniya Davis. On the mound, she struck out ten batters over seven innings while giving up five earned runs off seven hits. Davis has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in four consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going a perfect 5-for-5 with five RBI, two runs, and one triple. Those five hits gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, Peyton Bingle was incredible, going 4-for-5 with two stolen bases, two runs, and two doubles. Those four hits gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Ke'Asia Biddle, who got on base in two of her four plate appearances with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI.
Hermitage's record now sits at 2-8. As for Lafayette County, their record is now 3-7.
Tuesday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Hermitage has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .575. However, it's not like Lafayette County struggles in that department as they've averaged .567. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Everything went Hermitage's way against Lafayette County in their previous meeting back in May of 2025, as Hermitage made off with a 17-2 win. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Hermits since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
