The Centerburg Trojans will square off against the Centennial Stars at 5:15 p.m. on Thursday. Centerburg is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.3 runs per game this season.
Centerburg is probably headed into the matchup with a chip on their shoulder considering Cardington-Lincoln just ended the team's three-game winning streak on Wednesday. They fell just short of the Pirates by a score of 4-3.
Sydnee Schoonover made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and got on base in all three of her plate appearances with two stolen bases, one run, and one RBI. Jazmyn Larimore was another key player, going 1-for-2 with one stolen base and one run.
Meanwhile, Centennial had already won seven in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 12.7 runs) and they went ahead and made it eight last Wednesday. They skirted past the Braves 8-6. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Stars have posted since May 1, 2024.
Ellie Glover was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching 8.2 innings while giving up just one earned (and six unearned) runs off seven hits. She has been consistent: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in six consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, getting on base in two of her five plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base.
In other batting news, Ryan Hammond was incredible, going a perfect 4-for-4 with four stolen bases, four RBI, and two runs. She is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now snagged at least one in each of the last six games she's played. Another player making a difference was Kaela Haycook, who went 2-for-4 with one double and one RBI.
Centennial was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .375. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .333 or higher in seven consecutive contests.
Centennial pushed their record up to 9-1 with the victory, which was their fifth straight at home. The home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.2 runs on average over those games. As for Centerburg, their loss dropped their record down to 9-6.
Thursday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Centerburg has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .462. However, it's not like Centennial struggles in that department as they've averaged .671. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Centerburg took their victory against Centennial in their previous meeting back in April of 2021 by a conclusive 13-3 score. Do the Trojans have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Stars turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
