The Fike Demons will challenge the Ayden - Grifton Chargers at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Fike is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.4 runs per game this season.
Fike took a loss when they played away from home on Thursday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Tuesday. They were the clear victors by an 18-1 margin over Smithfield-Selma. The Demons haven't had any issues with the Spartans recently, as the game was their eighth consecutive victory against them.
Gracie Vincent made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Vincent was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs while going 1-for-2.
In other batting news, Selah Escamilla and Cheyanne Mercer did most of the damage at the plate: Escamilla scored two runs while going 1-for-2, while Mercer scored two runs and stole a base while getting on base in all three of her plate appearances. What's more, Escamilla posted two RBI, the most she's had since back in April of 2024. Another player making a difference was Aleah Thompson, who scored two runs while going 1-for-4.
Fike always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .586. They are 4-1 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Meanwhile, after a string of three wins, Ayden - Grifton's good fortune finally ran out on Tuesday. They fell just short of SouthWest Edgecombe by a score of 7-5. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest loss the Chargers have suffered since March 12, 2024.
Kenlie Guthrie spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered four earned (and three unearned) runs on nine hits and racked up eight Ks.
At the plate, KG Olejar was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-3 with one triple, one run, and one RBI. That triple was her first of the season. Raelyn Jones was another key player, going 3-for-4 with one triple and one run.
Fike's win bumped their record up to 4-11. As for Ayden - Grifton, they now have a losing record of 7-8.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Wednesday as neither team is afraid to steal. Fike has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 2.8 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Ayden - Grifton struggles in that department as they've been averaging 2.8 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
