The Long Rebels will face off against the Slocomb Red Tops at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Long is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.6 runs per game this season.
Long saw some tournament action last Monday. They fell just short of Deshler by a score of 5-4.
Kaylie Cordell was cooking despite her team's loss, going 1-for-2 with one home run. Another player making a difference was Kennedy Robertson, who went 1-for-2 with one double and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Slocomb never let their opponents score two weeks ago. They put the hurt on Providence Christian with a sharp 15-0 win. Considering the Red Tops have won six contests by more than five runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
Emma Nichols made a big impact no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run over five innings pitched. What's more, she posted five strikeouts, the most she's had over her last four matchups. She was also stellar in the batter's box, firing off two home runs while going 3-for-4. Those home runs were her first of the season.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on AK Causey, who fired off two home runs, three runs, and four RBI while going 3-for-4. That's the most hits she has posted over her last seven games. The team also got some help courtesy of Chloe Andrews, who went 2-for-3 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs.
Slocomb always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .579. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Slocomb is on a roll lately: they've won three of their last four contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 10-6 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.5 runs on average over those games. As for Long, their defeat dropped their record down to 8-6.
Thursday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Long hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .359. However, it's not like Slocomb struggles in that department as they've averaged .375. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Long might still be hurting after the 7-1 loss they got from Slocomb when the teams last played back in March. Will the Rebels have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
