Clarke Central is 0-10 against Apalachee since September of 2015 but things could change on Tuesday. The Gladiators will welcome the Wildcats at 4:30 p.m. Clarke Central is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.9 runs per game this season.
Having struggled with four losses in a row, Clarke Central turned things around against Central Gwinnett on Wednesday. They blew past the Black Knights 11-1. The high-scoring effort was just what the Gladiators needed considering they were shut out in their previous matchup.
The team relied heavily on Adriana Ozuna, who went 1-for-3 with three stolen bases, two RBI, and one run. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in September of 2024. Lydia Haag was another key player, going 1-for-3 with one triple, one run, and one RBI.
Clarke Central was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .375. They are a perfect 4-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Meanwhile, after some red-hot attacks at the plate in their last four games, Apalachee finally came back down to earth on Monday. They took a 4-1 hit to the loss column at the hands of Jackson County. The defeat continues a trend for the Wildcats in their meetings with the Panthers: they've now lost three in a row.
Charly Rudell spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered four runs (all of which were unearned) on eight hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Apalachee saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Sanai Minaird, who went 2-for-3 with one run and one double.
Clarke Central's win bumped their record up to 6-8. As for Apalachee, their loss dropped their record down to 7-11.
Clarke Central's speedy runners might be the difference in Tuesday's contest. The Gladiators have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.3 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Apalachee, though, as they've been averaging only 0.8 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Clarke Central continue to outrun the ball?
Clarke Central suffered a grim 9-1 defeat to Apalachee when the teams last played back in October of 2024. Will the Gladiators have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
