The Clay Panthers will head out to challenge the Alexander Spartans at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Clay is coming into the matchup hot, having won their last four games.
On Wednesday, Clay got the win against Western by a conclusive 8-1. The Panthers might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won 15 games by seven runs or more this season.
Laney Shepherd
| 05/07/25 vs Western | 14 |
| 05/02/25 vs Oak Hill | 10 |
| 04/30/25 @ East | 5 |
| 04/28/25 vs Notre Dame | 1 |
| 04/24/25 vs East | 7 |
| + 7 more games |
Laney Shepherd was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 14 batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits. That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in April. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with one run, one double, and one RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Elin Shaw, who went 2-for-4 with one home run, four RBI, and one stolen base. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in April. Emma Walker was another key player, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with one run.
Clay kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Western only managed three hits.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Alexander). They skirted past Oak Hill 15-14. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Spartans have posted since April 29, 2024.
Alexander got a massive performance out of Maddie Brookins, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with five stolen bases, three runs, and three RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Kaylee Hudnall, who went 4-for-5 with two stolen bases, three RBI, and two runs.
Clay's record now sits at 17-8. As for Alexander, their victory (their first of the season) made their record 1-12.
Clay might still be hurting after the 11-4 loss they got from Alexander in their previous meeting back in May of 2018. Can the Panthers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
