The Immanuel Christian Crusaders are taking a road trip to take on the Boron Bobcats at 3:00 p.m. on Monday. Keep an eye on the score for this one: the two teams posted some lofty run totals in their previous games.
Immanuel Christian took a loss when they played away from home last Tuesday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed last Thursday. Everything went their way against Legacy Christian Academy as they made off with a 23-1 victory. Considering the Crusaders have won seven games by more than nine runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.
Abigail Barham and Erin French made a big impact no matter where they played. Throwing, Barham pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, French struck out six batters over three innings while giving up just one earned run but no hits. She has been consistent : she hasn't given up more than two hits in six consecutive appearances. At bat, Barham scored three runs and stole two bases while going 2-for-3, while French scored three runs and stole a base while going 2-for-4. That's the most stolen bases Barham has posted since back in March.
In other batting news, Ava Blakie was incredible, going 3-for-4 with four RBI, two runs, and one stolen base. The team also got some help courtesy of Chloe Loughlin, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with four RBI, two runs, and one double.
Immanuel Christian always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .611. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Legacy Christian Academy only posted an OBP of .375.
Meanwhile, Boron was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their fourth straight defeat. They took an 18-14 hit to the loss column at the hands of Rosamond. Bobcats fans who chose to attend the game sure picked the wrong one: it was the first time the team's lost against the Roadrunners since on Friday.
Kalli Wolfe was cooking despite her team's loss, scoring three runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-5. Another player making a difference was Melissa Gonzalez, who scored two runs while going 2-for-5.
Immanuel Christian's record is now 11-4. As for Boron, their loss dropped their record down to 5-7.
Monday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Immanuel Christian has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .528. However, it's not like Boron struggles in that department as they've averaged .531. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Immanuel Christian was able to grind out a solid win over Boron when the teams last played back in March, winning 8-3. Do the Crusaders have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Bobcats turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
