The Citizens Christian Academy Patriots will venture away from home to challenge the David Emanuel Academy Eagles at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (Citizens Christian Academy 3.6, David Emanuel Academy 2.2) so any runs scored will be well earned.
While Citizens Christian Academy's win against Robert Toombs Christian Academy wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. The Patriots had just enough and edged out the Crusaders 5-4. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Patriots have posted since September 4th.
Gracie Giddens made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She pitched five innings while giving up just one earned (and three unearned) runs off four hits. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in six consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with one run and one double.
In other batting news, Brilynn Waldron was excellent, going 2-for-4 with one triple, one run, and one RBI.
Meanwhile, David Emanuel Academy entered their tilt with Portal on Wednesday with four consecutive wins but they'll enter their next game with five. They came out on top against the Panthers by a score of 7-3.
David Emanuel Academy's win was truly a team effort as seven different players contributed at least one hit. One of them was Kate Yeomans, who went 1-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI. Another was Bailey McNure, who went 1-for-3 with one run, one double, and one RBI.
David Emanuel Academy hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. The team has now struck out at least four batters in five consecutive contests.
Citizens Christian Academy's record is now 18-4. As for David Emanuel Academy, their record now sits at 17-2.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Thursday as neither team is afraid to steal. Citizens Christian Academy has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 2.9 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like David Emanuel Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging 2.7 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Citizens Christian Academy came out on top in a nail-biter against David Emanuel Academy when the teams last played back in September, sneaking past 8-7. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Patriots since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
