The Bruce Trojans will head out to take on the Vardaman Rams at 10:20 a.m. on Friday. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.
Bruce came out on top against Water Valley on Friday thanks in part to the team's impressive 14-run first inning. The Trojans never let the Blue Devils get on the board and left with a 17-0 win. The Trojans might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won four games by ten runs or more this season.
Ande Ferguson made a splash while hitting and pitching. She tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Ferguson was also solid in the batter's box, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs, two RBI, and one double.
In other batting news, Sammie Gunter was a standout: she went a perfect 2-for-2 with four RBI, one run, and one double. Mary Kakales also deserves some recognition as she hit her first double of the season.
Bruce was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .688. The last time their batting average was this high was back in March of 2025.
Vardaman not only won on Thursday, but they posted their biggest win since March 6, 2025 (when they won 24-2). Everything went their way against Houlka as they made off with a 21-2 victory. With that win, the Rams brought their scoring average up to 8.8 runs per game.
Like Bruce, Vardaman also got a great game from a two-way player: Gracie Chandler. On the mound, she pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Chandler has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one hit in three consecutive appearances. She was even better at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs, three doubles, and three RBI. That's the most hits she has posted since back in April of 2025.
In other batting news, Vardaman got a massive performance out of Prseley McGreger, who got on base in all three of her plate appearances with four stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI. Lyla Chandler was another key player, getting on base in all three of her plate appearances with four stolen bases and three runs.
The victory was the third in a row for Bruce, bringing their record up to 6-5. The wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 18.3 runs over those games. As for Vardaman, their victory (their first of the season) made their record 1-4.
Friday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Bruce hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .460. However, it's not like Vardaman struggles in that department as they've averaged .330. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Bruce was able to grind out a solid win over Vardaman in their previous meeting back in February, winning 18-14. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Trojans since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
