The Horseshoe Bend Generals will head out on the road to square off against the Isabella Mustangs at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Horseshoe Bend's pitching crew has only allowed 2.2 runs per game this season, so Isabella's hitters will have their work cut out for them.
Horseshoe Bend is headed in fresh off scoring the most runs they have all season. They never let Central of Coosa County get on the board and left with a 12-0 victory on Thursday. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Generals.
Madison Smith was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run while striking out ten over five innings pitched. What's more, she gave up only three hits, the fewest she's had since back in April of 2024. She was also big at the plate, scoring two runs while going 1-for-3. That's the most runs she has posted since back in April of 2024.
In other batting news, Lily Moss was a standout: she scored a run while going 3-for-4. What's more, she posted two RBI, the most she's had since back in April of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Marigrace Jones, who scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-2.
Horseshoe Bend always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .613. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Isabella put another one in the bag on Thursday to keep their perfect season alive. They walked away with a 10-7 win over Billingsley.
Emma Baker spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and six unearned) runs on two hits.
At the plate, Isabella got a massive performance out of Natalie Smithermen, who went 2-for-3 with one triple, one stolen base, and two RBI. Another player making a difference was Jeslyn Wilson, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-4.
Isabella's victory was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 3-0. The wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 14.7 runs over those games. As for Horseshoe Bend, their record is now 3-1.
Tuesday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Horseshoe Bend hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .345. However, it's not like Isabella struggles in that department as they've averaged .420. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Horseshoe Bend took their win against Isabella in their previous meeting back in May of 2023 by a conclusive 15-3. The rematch might be a little tougher for Horseshoe Bend since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
