The Ava Bears will face off against the Sparta Trojans at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Ava is coming into the matchup hot, having won their last eight games.
On Monday, Ava got the win against Salem by a conclusive 9-2. The Bears might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won 15 games by seven runs or more this season.
Hunter Strunk
| 05/05/25 vs Salem | 3 |
| 04/28/25 vs Reeds Spring | 2 |
| 04/08/25 vs Seymour | 2 |
| 04/07/25 vs Cabool | 2 |
| 03/31/25 @ Mansfield | 2 |
Hunter Strunk made a big impact no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only two hits while striking out eight over five innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks any time she's pitched this season. She was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two RBI. Those three hits gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Hannah Forrest, who went 3-for-4 with three RBI, one stolen base, and one run. That's the most hits she has posted over her last eight contests. Another player making a difference was Matilynn Goss, who got on base in two of her three plate appearances with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run.
Ava always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .528. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Salem only posted an OBP of .333.
Meanwhile, Sparta fell victim to Norwood and their airtight pitching crew on Monday. They lost 6-0 to the Pirates. The matchup marked the first time this year in which the Trojans were not able to get on the board.
Addie Humble spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and four unearned) runs on seven hits.
Ava's victory was their sixth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 18-4. The home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.7 runs over those games. As for Sparta, they have been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 9-12 record this season.
Tuesday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Ava hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .373. However, it's not like Sparta struggles in that department as they've averaged .321. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Ava couldn't quite finish off Sparta when the teams last played back in May of 2023 and fell 7-5. Can the Bears avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
