The Orangeburg Prep Indians will be playing at home against the Thomas Sumter Academy Generals at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. Orangeburg Prep will be looking to extend their current six-game winning streak.
Orangeburg Prep can now show off five landslide victories after their most recent contest last Wednesday. Their pitcher stepped up to hand Calhoun Academy a 17-0 shutout.
Payton Schurlknight made a splash while hitting and pitching. She kept things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out eight over four innings pitched. Schurlknight has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in five consecutive pitching appearances. Schurlknight was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring three runs and stealing two bases while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Lauren Ballew, who went 2-for-3 with a home run, two stolen bases, and three runs. Jane Walker Yonce was another key contributor, scoring three runs and stealing two bases while going 1-for-2.
Meanwhile, Thomas Sumter Academy earned a 5-2 win over Holly Hill Academy on Tuesday.
Like Orangeburg Prep, Thomas Sumter Academy also got a great game from a two-way player: Kason Carter. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 12 batters over five innings while giving up just two earned runs off one hit. Carter was also big at the plate, scoring two runs while getting on base in all three of her plate appearances.
Carter wasn't the only one making solid contact as five players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Hannah Giddings, who went 1-for-2 with a double and an RBI.
Orangeburg Prep's victory bumped their record up to 7-1. As for Thomas Sumter Academy, their win bumped their record up to 4-1.
Thursday's matchup will be a test for both team's pitchers. Orangeburg Prep hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .428. However, it's not like Thomas Sumter Academy struggles in that department as they've averaged .333. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Orangeburg Prep might still be hurting after the 15-5 defeat they got from Thomas Sumter Academy in their previous matchup back in March of 2016. Will Orangeburg Prep have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
