The Leander Lions will challenge the Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial Eagles on Saturday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Leander is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Friday. They blew past Seguin 14-1. The victory was nothing new for the Lions as they're now sitting on eight straight.
Kylee Arnold made a splash while hitting and pitching. She didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits over five innings pitched. Arnold was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with two doubles and two RBI. That's the most doubles she has posted since back in March.
In other batting news, Rachel Grundei was a standout: she went 3-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and four RBI. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in March. The team also got some help courtesy of Madelyn Lee, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with three runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.
Leander was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .567. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .316 or higher in eight consecutive matches.
Meanwhile, Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial entered their tilt with Weslaco East on Friday with 27 consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with 28. They were the clear victors by a 20-2 margin over the Wildcats. Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial's win was all the more impressive since the Wildcats were averaging only four runs allowed on the season.
Lyla Creek looked comfortable as she tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 14 consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Emilee Holmes was incredible, going 3-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and four RBI. That home run was her first of the season. Alina Flores was another key player, going 3-for-4 with four RBI and two runs.
Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial pushed their record up to 29-2 with the victory, which was their ninth straight on the road. The road wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 0.4 runs on average over those games. As for Leander, their victory bumped their record up to 27-9.
Saturday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Leander hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .379. However, it's not like Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial struggles in that department as they've averaged .481. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.
