The Temple Christian Crusaders will challenge the Christian Heritage Academy Knights at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Both come into the contest bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Temple Christian made up a huge gap compared to their last game against Faith Christian Academy, but they still couldn't quite topple them. Everything went Temple Christian's way against Faith Christian Academy on Tuesday as Temple Christian made off with a 14-4 win. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Crusaders.
Blake Cash
| 03/18/25 vs Faith Christian Academy | 8 |
| 03/13/25 vs Westover Christian Academy | 7 |
| 04/26/24 @ Regents | 4 |
| 04/22/24 vs Christian Heritage Academy | 2 |
| 04/09/24 vs Westover Christian Academy | 4 |
| + 4 more games |
Blake Cash made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out eight batters over five innings while giving up just one earned (and three unearned) runs off five hits (and only one walk). That's the most strikeouts he has posted since back in March of 2024. He was also big at the plate, scoring three runs and stealing Two bases. while getting on base in two of his four plate appearances.
In other batting news, Silas Walker was a standout: he went 2-for-4 with one home run, three RBI, and one stolen base. Another player making a difference was Robert Thacker, who scored two runs and stole Three bases. while going 2-for-4.
Temple Christian always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .516. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Faith Christian Academy only posted an OBP of .333.
Meanwhile, Christian Heritage Academy put another one in the bag on Tuesday to keep their perfect season alive. They came out on top against Roanoke Valley Christian by a score of 7-4.
Like Temple Christian, Christian Heritage Academy also got a great game from a two-way player: Jake Bowles. He struck out 12 batters over five innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off three hits. Bowles was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with two runs, one triple, and one RBI.
Bowles wasn't the only one making solid contact as five players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Colston Rooney, who scored a run and stole a base while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances. Rooney is crushing it when it comes to stolen bases: he's snagged at least one every time he's taken the field this season. Cowan Montgomery was another, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 1-for-4.
Christian Heritage Academy's victory was their third straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 3-0. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.7 runs over those games. As for Temple Christian, they now have a winning record of 2-1.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Thursday as neither team is afraid to steal. Temple Christian has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 7 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Christian Heritage Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging 6 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Temple Christian took their win against Christian Heritage Academy in their previous matchup back in May of 2024 by a conclusive 10-3. Does Temple Christian have another victory up their sleeve, or will Christian Heritage Academy turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
