The Eastern Musketeers will head out on the road to face off against the Springs Valley Blackhawks at 5:30 p.m. on Monday. Keep an eye on the score for this one: the two teams posted some lofty run totals in their previous games.
Having struggled with five defeats in a row dating back to last season, Eastern finally turned things around against Austin on Thursday. Eastern put the hurt on Austin with a sharp 22-3 victory. Eastern's hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Sidney Patton and Bracie Jackson made a splash while hitting and pitching. Throwing, Patton struck out seven batters over four innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off eight hits (and not a single walk). Meanwhile, Jackson pitched an inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. At bat, Patton scored two runs while going 2-for-5, while Jackson scored three runs and stole a base while getting on base in five of her six plate appearances.
In other batting news, Raelynn Henderson was a standout: she got on base in all six of her plate appearances with four RBI and two runs. The team also got some help courtesy of Adriana Dolleris, who scored three runs and stole a base while going 3-for-4.
Meanwhile, Springs Valley never let their opponents score on Friday. They were the clear victor by a 20-0 margin over Rock Creek Academy. That 20 run margin sets a new team best for Springs Valley this season.
Like Eastern, Springs Valley also got a great game from a two-way player: Lily Hickman. She looked comfortable on the mound, keeping things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out 13 over five innings pitched. Hickman has been consistent recently: she hasn't pitched less than five innings every time she's pitched this season. Hickman was also big at the plate, scoring two runs while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances.
In other batting news, Springs Valley got a massive performance out of Karson Dalton, who scored two runs while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances. Elliott Wininger was another key contributor, scoring three runs while going 2-for-3.
Eastern's win ended a three-game drought on the road and puts them at 1-4. As for Springs Valley, the victory made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 5-3.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Monday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Eastern has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.6 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Springs Valley struggles in that department as they've been averaging 12.6. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Eastern took their win against Springs Valley in their previous meeting back in April of 2023 by a conclusive 10-0. The rematch might be a little tougher for Eastern since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
