The Oskaloosa Bears will challenge the Cedar Vale/Dexter Spartans at 1:00 p.m. on Friday. The two teams each escaped (but just barely!) with wins against their previous opponents.
Oskaloosa is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Thursday. They had just enough and edged out Central Heights 3-1. The victory was familiar territory for the Bears, who have now won four games in a row.
Lily Pullen spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered a run (which was unearned) on two hits and racked up 13 Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 11 consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Keirstyn Mitchell was incredible, going 2-for-3 with one home run, two runs, and one double. Another player making a difference was Lydia Turner, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one run and one double.
Meanwhile, Cedar Vale/Dexter entered their tilt with Medicine Lodge on Thursday with five consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with six. They came within a single run of losing the streak, but they secured a 3-2 W against the Indians.
Cedar Vale/Dexter also let their pitcher toss all seven innings and she was also dialed-in: Zoe Davidson gave up just two earned runs on four hits and racked up 13 Ks.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Bailey Hedgecock, who went 1-for-2 with two runs and one stolen base.
Cedar Vale/Dexter hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Medicine Lodge struck out 13 times.
Oskaloosa's record is now 20-5. As for Cedar Vale/Dexter, their record now sits at 22-1.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Friday as neither team is afraid to steal. Oskaloosa has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.6 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Cedar Vale/Dexter struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 4.8 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.
