The Northampton Yellowjackets will head out on the road to challenge the Arcadia Firebirds at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. Northampton has given up an average of 19.7 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Northampton lost 21-11 to Nandua on Tuesday. The Yellowjackets have struggled against the Warriors recently, as the game was their seventh consecutive lost meeting.
Ryleigh Caison
| 04/29/25 vs Nandua | 3 |
| 04/28/25 vs Broadwater Academy | 1 |
| 04/25/25 vs King & Queen Central | 1 |
| 04/24/25 vs Franklin | 2 |
| 04/23/25 @ Mathews | 2 |
| + 4 more games |
Ryleigh Caison made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and got on base in all four of her plate appearances with three stolen bases, four runs, and one RBI. She is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now snagged at least one in each of the last nine games she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Ortavia Rogers, who went 1-for-3 with one run and one RBI.
Meanwhile, after only one run in their last matchup, Arcadia made sure to put some runs up on the board against Chincoteague on Tuesday. The Firebirds never let the Ponies get on the board and left with a 10-0 win. The result was nothing new for the Firebirds, who have now won five contests by ten runs or more so far this season.
Ryann Giddens made a big impact no matter where she played. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out nine over five innings pitched. Giddens was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with four RBI, one stolen base, and one run.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Payton Taylor, who went 2-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. Deeana Bradley also deserves some recognition as she hit her first double of the season.
Arcadia kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post 11 or more hits.
Arcadia is on a roll lately: they've won three of their last four games. That's provided a nice bump to their 5-6 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.8 runs on average over those games. As for Northampton, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-8.
Thursday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Northampton has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .537. However, it's not like Arcadia struggles in that department as they've averaged .435. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Northampton suffered a grim 24-0 defeat to Arcadia in their previous matchup back in May of 2023. Can the Yellowjackets avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
