Pike County is 0-4 against Pike Road since March of 2019 but things could change on Thursday. Pike County will be playing in front of their home fans against Pike Road at 5:00 p.m. The two teams are strolling into their contests after big wins in their previous games.
Having struggled with nine losses in a row, Pike County turned things around against Russell County on Monday. Their pitcher stepped up to hand the Warriors a 12-0 shutout. The Bulldogs not only won on Monday, but they posted their biggest win since February 18th.
Kylan Wilkerson was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out ten over five innings pitched. That's the fewest hits she has allowed since back in February. She was also big at the plate, scoring two runs while going 1-for-3. Those two runs gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, Arianna Straw was incredible, going 2-for-4 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. Taylor Trawick was another key player, scoring a run while going 3-for-4.
Pike County always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .531. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Russell County only posted an OBP of .176.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Pike Road). They were the clear victors by a 20-0 margin over Park Crossing on Tuesday. The win was familiar territory for the Patriots, who have now won three games in a row.
Like Pike County, Pike Road also got a great game from a two-way player: Anna Williams. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out eight batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and not a single walk). Williams has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with two runs and one triple. That triple marked the first that she hit this season.
In other batting news, Paisley Forshay was a standout: she went 1-for-2 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. That home run was her first of the season. The team also got some help courtesy of Addison Belyeu, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-2.
Pike Road's victory bumped their record up to 9-12. As for Pike County, their win bumped their record up to 3-13.
Pike County suffered a grim 9-0 defeat to Pike Road in their previous matchup back in March of 2023. Will Pike County have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.
