The Speedway Sparkplugs will face off against the Bethesda Christian Patriots at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. Speedway is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.5 runs per game this season.
Speedway is headed in fresh off scoring the most runs they have all season. They were the clear victors by a 16-6 margin over Herron on Friday. The victory continues a trend for the Sparkplugs in their matchups with the Achaeans: they've now won five in a row.
Laney Jarrett
| 04/18/25 @ Herron | 3 |
| 05/20/24 vs Herron | 1 |
| 05/16/24 @ Heritage Christian | 1 |
| 05/15/24 vs Covenant Christian | 1 |
| 05/07/24 vs Indianapolis Scecina Memorial | 1 |
Laney Jarrett was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over six innings while giving up five earned (and one unearned) runs off three hits. Jarrett was also stellar in the batter's box, firing off three runs, three doubles, and one triple while going 4-for-5. Those three doubles gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, Mallory Short was incredible, firing off two home runs, four runs, and four RBI while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances. Those two home runs gave her a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Paige Hooper, who went 1-for-3 with two stolen bases, two RBI, and one double.
Speedway kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 15 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits every time they've taken the field this season.
Meanwhile, Bethesda Christian had already won two in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 3.5 runs) and they went ahead and made it three on Thursday. They came out on top against the Gophers by a score of 8-4.
Annah Heath spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and two unearned) runs on three hits.
On the hitting side, Avery Gibbs and Eliza Gibbs did most of the damage at the plate: Avery went 2-for-4 with three RBI, one run, and one double, while Eliza got on base in four of her eight plate appearances with two RBI. That double marked the first that Avery has hit this season. Another player making a difference was Maylin Heathco, who went 1-for-3 with two runs and one stolen base.
The win got Speedway back to even at 2-2. As for Bethesda Christian, the victory was their first on the road , bumping their record up to 3-4.
Bethesda Christian's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Speedway hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .321. It's a different story for Bethesda Christian, though, as they've only averaged .217. Will they be able to contain Speedway's hitters?
Speedway beat Bethesda Christian 5-2 in their previous meeting back in April of 2018. Do the Sparkplugs have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Patriots turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
