Newman International Academy hasn't had much luck against Nazarene Christian Academy recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Warriors will challenge the Lions at 4:00 p.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Newman International Academy are headed in fresh off scoring the most runs they have all season. Everything went their way against Newman International Academy on Monday as they made off with a 17-1 win. The victory made it back-to-back wins for Newman International Academy.
Maddie Brooks made a splash no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out eight batters over three innings while giving up just one earned run off one hit (and only one walk). Brooks was also big at the plate, going a perfect 2-for-2 with four RBI, two runs, and one triple. She also put up a double, which was her first of the season.
In other batting news, Karoline Parada was a standout: she went a perfect 2-for-2 with three RBI, two runs, and one triple. She also hit a double, marking her first of the season. Another player making a difference was Itzy Prado, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with three stolen bases, two runs, and one triple.
Newman International Academy were getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .818. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Fans were treated to a battle of the Lions on Thursday. Nazarene Christian Academy was the clear victor by a 9-2 margin over Weatherford Christian. Winning may never get old, but Nazarene Christian Academy sure is getting used to it with their seventh in a row.
Gracyn Whitsell was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She struck out 15 batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned runs off five hits. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't tossed less than nine strikeouts in six consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with two triples and five RBI. Those two triples gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Gracyn Grass, who scored a run while going 2-for-2. Madison Glendenning was another key player, scoring two runs while going 1-for-3.
Newman International Academy's victory was their fourth straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 4-2. Those home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 16.8 runs over those games. As for Nazarene Christian Academy, their record now sits at 10-3.
Tuesday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Newman International Academy has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .562. However, it's not like Nazarene Christian Academy struggles in that department as they've averaged .436. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Newman International Academy might still be hurting after the 13-2 defeat they got from Nazarene Christian Academy when the teams last played back in April of 2022. Can the Warriors avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
