Monticello is 7-0 against Albemarle since April of 2015, and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Monday. The Monticello Mustangs will head out on the road to face off against the Albemarle Patriots at 6:00 p.m. Monticello's pitching crew has only allowed 1.3 runs per game this season, so Albemarle's hitters will have their work cut out for them.
Albemarle is hoping to do on Monday what Western Albemarle couldn't on Thursday: put an end to Monticello's winning streak, which now stands at three games. Monticello narrowly escaped with a win as the team sidled past Western Albemarle 7-6.
Madison Steppe made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she struck out six batters over seven innings while giving up five earned (and one unearned) runs off seven hits. Steppe has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in nine consecutive pitching appearances. Steppe was also big at the plate, going 1-for-2 with a home run and two RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Willow Barr, who went 1-for-3 with a home run and three RBI. Another player making a difference was Sammi Deitsch, who scored three runs and stole a base while going 2-for-3.
Meanwhile, Albemarle can finally bid farewell to their seven-game losing streak thanks to their game on Thursday. They put the hurt on Charlottesville with a sharp 11-1 victory. The high-scoring effort was just what Albemarle needed considering they were shutout in their previous game.
The team relied heavily on Myah Washington, who scored two runs and stole three bases while going 2-for-2. The team also got some help courtesy of Sam Armstrong, who scored two runs and stole a base while getting on base in two of her three plate appearances.
Monticello is on a roll lately: they've won nine of their last 11 contests, which provided a nice bump to their 11-5 record this season. As for Albemarle, their win ended a five-game drought at home and bumped them up to 4-13.
Albemarle's hitters will have their work cut out for them on Monday. Monticello has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 11.8 strikeouts per game. It's a different story for Albemarle, though, as they've been averaging only 3.4. Will Monticello keep running through batters, or will Albemarle buck the trend?
Monticello took their victory against Albemarle when the teams last played on Tuesday by a conclusive 12-0. The rematch might be a little tougher for Monticello since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
