Sun Valley took a ten-run defeat the last time they faced off against Porter Ridge, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Spartans skirted past the Pirates 8-6. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Spartans have posted against the Pirates since April 11, 2022.
Gretchen Daniel (2028) spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered five earned (and one unearned) runs on two hits and racked up seven Ks.
Kendall Smith (2026)
| 04/01/25 @ Porter Ridge | 3 |
| 02/25/25 vs Metrolina Christian Academy | 2 |
| 03/18/24 @ Forest Hills | 2 |
| 03/13/25 @ Butler | 1 |
| 03/11/25 @ Charlotte Latin | 1 |
At the plate, Gracyn Hawk (2026) and Kendall Smith (2026) did most of the damage at the plate: Hawk (2026) scored a run while going 2-for-4, while Smith (2026) scored three runs and stole a base while going 2-for-3. Those three runs gave Smith (2026) a new career-high. Terran Ellis (2028) also deserves some recognition as she scored her first run of the season.
Sun Valley's victory was their first in the conference, bumping their conference record up to 1-3 and their overall record up to 4-6. As for Porter Ridge, their loss dropped their record down to 6-8.
Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Sun Valley will host Central Academy at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The timing isn't great for the Spartans: they have been struggling with three straight losses at home, while the Cougars have snatched up four consecutive wins on the road. As for Porter Ridge, they will welcome Lee Park Prep at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. The Pirates' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Knights have averaged an impressive 8.1 runs per game this season.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
