The Argos Dragons will take on the Elkhart Christian Academy Eagles at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The last three games Argos has played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.
Argos is headed into the game having just suffered their closest loss since April 18th on Saturday. They fell just short of North Judson-San Pierre by a score of 3-1.
Ivy Stackhouse was huge while hitting and pitching even without the win. She struck out ten batters over six innings while giving up three earned runs off seven hits (and not a single walk). She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 17 consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two triples.
Meanwhile, two teams were on the hunt for playoff glory, but only Elkhart Christian Academy walked away with it. They won by a run and slipped past the Trojans 11-10.
Like Argos, Elkhart Christian Academy also got a great game from a two-way player: Brianna Ehninger. On the mound, Ehninger struck out 11 batters over five innings while giving up just two earned (and four unearned) runs off six hits (and only one walk). Meanwhile, Naomi Herbster tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. At bat, Ehninger got on base in three of her five plate appearances with two runs, one double, and one RBI, while Herbster went 2-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Ryleigh Viront, who went 1-for-3 with one home run and three RBI. Those three RBI gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Mia Hiler, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base.
Elkhart Christian Academy always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .579. They are a perfect 4-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Elkhart Christian Academy is on a roll lately: they've won six of their last eight matches. That's provided a nice bump to their 7-12 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.8 runs over those games. As for Argos, their defeat dropped their record down to 8-11.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Argos has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 9 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Elkhart Christian Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 9.4 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Argos took their win against Elkhart Christian Academy when the teams last played back in April by a conclusive 12-0 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Dragons since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
