The Andrews Yellowjackets will face off against the Marion Swamp Foxes at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Andrews took a loss when they played away from home last Thursday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Tuesday. They put the hurt on Manning with a sharp 16-1 victory. The high-flying hitting performance was a huge turnaround for the Yellowjackets considering their two-run performance the game before.
The team relied heavily on Sarah Jennings, who went 3-for-4 with four RBI, two runs, and one stolen base. That's the most hits she has posted since back in March. The team also got some help courtesy of Karaline Gainey, who went 1-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.
Meanwhile, two teams were on the hunt for playoff glory, but only Marion walked away with it. Their pitcher stepped up to hand the Cougars a 21-0 shutout on Wednesday. The high-scoring effort was just what the Swamp Foxes needed considering they were shut out in their previous contest.
Kynnedi Jenkins made a splash no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out eight batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and not a single walk). She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts any time she's pitched this season. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with three runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
In other batting news, Maliyah Williams was incredible, going a perfect 4-for-4 with four runs, five RBI, and one triple. Another player making a difference was Nevaeh Shaw, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI.
Marion always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .667. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
The win snapped Marion's losing streak at three games and leaves them with a 8-7 record. As for Andrews, their victory bumped their record up to 12-5.
Friday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Andrews has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .459. However, it's not like Marion struggles in that department as they've averaged .483. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Andrews suffered a grim 12-5 defeat to Marion in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Can the Yellowjackets avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
