The Elmore County Panthers will take on the Saint James Trojans at 5:00 p.m. on Monday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Saint James will challenge a team with plenty of momentum: Elmore County extended their winning streak to three on Thursday. The Panthers put the hurt on Beauregard with a sharp 13-3 win. Elmore County's victory was all the more impressive since the Hornets were averaging only 3.72 runs allowed on the season.
Addy Peaden was incredible, going 2-for-3 with one home run, five RBI, and three runs. That's the most runs she has posted since back in March. The team also got some help courtesy of Addison Hicks, who scored a run and stole two bases while going 3-for-4.
Elmore County was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .583. They are a perfect 13-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Meanwhile, Saint James waltzed into their contest on Thursday with two straight wins... but they left with three. Everything went their way against the Wildcats as they made off with a 14-1 win.
Emily Needham made a splash no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run while striking out 11 over six innings pitched. Needham was also big at the plate, going 4-for-5 with five RBI and two doubles.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Tatiana Shuford, who went 2-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and three RBI. She has been hot recently, having posted three or more RBI the last three times she's played. Sydney Johnston was another key player, scoring three runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-4.
Elmore County pushed their record up to 15-10 with the victory, which was their sixth straight at home. Those home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.5 runs over those games. As for Saint James, their victory bumped their record up to 34-6.
Monday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Elmore County has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .455. However, it's not like Saint James struggles in that department as they've averaged .442. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Elmore County might still be hurting after the 12-1 defeat they got from Saint James in their previous meeting back in April of 2024. Can the Panthers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
