Butler hasn't had much luck against Hempfield Area recently, but that could start to change on Wednesday. The Golden Tornado will host the Spartans at 4:00 p.m. Both come into the match bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
On Tuesday, Butler sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 6-4 victory over Mt. Lebanon.
Kyra Olivares
| 04/01/25 vs Mt. Lebanon | 2 |
| 03/27/25 vs Norwin | 2 |
| 03/21/25 @ Baldwin | 1 |
Mikayla Crouch and Kyra Olivares were a major factor no matter where they played. Throwing, Crouch pitched four innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off six hits. Meanwhile, Olivares pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. At bat, Crouch scored a run and stole two bases while going 2-for-3, while Olivares went a perfect 2-for-2 with two triples, two runs, and two RBI. That's the most stolen bases Crouch has posted since back in March of 2024.
They weren't the only ones making solid contact as three players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Lily Vicari, who went 2-for-4 with one RBI. That's the most hits she has posted since back in May of 2024.
Meanwhile, Hempfield Area put another one in the bag on Monday to keep their perfect season alive. Their pitchers stepped up to hand Canon-McMillan a 10-0 shutout. The Spartans might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won five games by ten runs or more this season.
Like Butler, Hempfield Area also got a great game from a two-way player: Julia Varhola. On the mound, she pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Varhola was also stellar in the batter's box, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run, two RBI, and one double. She also put up a run, which was her first of the season.
In other batting news, Lauren Howard was incredible, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-3. Reagan Reamer was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two runs, one triple, and one RBI.
Hempfield Area lost a few balls and finished the game with two home runs. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now launched at least two home runs in three consecutive contests.
Hempfield Area pushed their record up to 8-0 with the win, which was their tenth straight at home dating back to last season. Those home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 0.7 runs on average over those games. As for Butler, their win (their first of the season) made their record 1-5-1.
Butler couldn't quite get it done against Hempfield Area when the teams last played back in April of 2024 as they fell 6-1. Can the Golden Tornado avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
