Big Walnut hasn't had much luck against Hayes recently, but that could start to change on Wednesday. The Golden Eagles will be playing in front of their home fans against the Pacers at 5:15 p.m. After the two teams made easy work of their previous opponents, one won't be so lucky on Wednesday.
Big Walnut barely beat Dublin Jerome the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. The Golden Eagles put the hurt on the Celtics with a sharp 14-4 victory on Tuesday. The Golden Eagles not only won on Tuesday, but they posted their biggest win since May 3, 2024.
Ava Thornhill made a big impact no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing four innings while giving up just two earned runs off six hits. Thornhill was also big at the plate, going 1-for-4 with three RBI, one triple, and one run. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in April of 2024.
Kyra Holmes
| 04/01/25 @ Dublin Jerome | 3 |
| 03/31/25 vs Thomas Worthington | 3 |
| 03/28/25 vs St. Francis DeSales | 3 |
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Kyra Holmes, who went 3-for-4 with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base. She is on a roll when it comes to hits, as she's now got three or more in each of the last three games she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Tessa Intravia, who scored two runs and stole a base while getting on base in four of her five plate appearances.
Big Walnut hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Dublin Jerome struck out ten times.
Meanwhile, Hayes waltzed into their game on Tuesday with two straight wins... but they left with three. They never let the Pioneers get on the board and left with a 9-0 win. With that victory, the Pacers brought their scoring average up to 6.5 runs per game.
Bronwynn Leighty made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run while striking out 11 over seven innings pitched. Leighty was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with one RBI.
In other batting news, Zee Brown was excellent, scoring a run while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances. Another player making a difference was McKenna Coleman, who went 2-for-3 with one stolen base and two RBI.
The win got Big Walnut back to even at 2-2. As for Hayes, their victory bumped their record up to 5-1.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Wednesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Big Walnut has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.2 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Hayes struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 10.8 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Big Walnut came up short against Hayes in their previous meeting back in April of 2024, falling 7-4. Will the Golden Eagles have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
