The Almond-Bancroft Eagles will take on the Wittenberg-Birnamwood Chargers at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Almond-Bancroft is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 9.3 runs per game this season.
Almond-Bancroft was handed a heart-breaking two-run loss in their last game, but they sure didn't let that happen against Port Edwards on Tuesday. The Eagles blew past the Blackhawks 19-1. The high-scoring effort was just what the Eagles needed considering they were shut out in their previous matchup.
Lexi Carlton looked comfortable as she struck out six batters over four innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in nine consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Almond-Bancroft got a massive performance out of Tia Dernbach, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with three RBI, two runs, and one double. Another player making a difference was Kerstyn Clark, who went 1-for-3 with five RBI and two runs.
Meanwhile, Wittenberg-Birnamwood can bid farewell to their four-game losing streak thanks to their game on Thursday. They came out on top against Iola-Scandinavia by a score of 7-2.
Ella Eichman spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered two runs (both of which were unearned) on eight hits.
On the hitting side, Chloe Hanson was incredible, going a perfect 4-for-4 with three runs, two doubles, and one stolen base. Those three runs gave her a new career-high. Rory Salvesen was another key player, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base.
Almond-Bancroft's win was their fifth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 17-4. Those road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 13.4 runs over those games. As for Wittenberg-Birnamwood, their win bumped their record up to 12-9.
Friday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Almond-Bancroft hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .379. However, it's not like Wittenberg-Birnamwood struggles in that department as they've averaged .317. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Almond-Bancroft took their victory against Wittenberg-Birnamwood when the teams last played back in May of 2023 by a conclusive 15-0 score. Do the Eagles have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Chargers turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
