The Grace Christian Academy Rams will head out to challenge the Knoxville Catholic Fighting Irish at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Grace Christian Academy has given up an average of 6.8 runs per game this season, so hopefully the team got some pitching drills in this week.
Grace Christian Academy fell victim to Walker Valley and their airtight pitching crew on Monday. They lost 12-0 to the Mustangs. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest defeat the Rams have suffered since May 7, 2024.
Grace Christian Academy got a good showing from Brooke Million, who struck out six batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and not a single walk). That's the fewest hits Million has allowed since back in May of 2024.
On the hitting side, Hayden Hill was cooking despite her team's loss, going 4-for-5 with four runs, two stolen bases, and five RBI. That's the most runs she has posted since back in April of 2024. Another player making a difference was Hannah Hodges, who went 2-for-4 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs.
Even though they lost, Grace Christian Academy always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .558. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Knoxville Catholic). They came out on top against Lenoir City by a score of 15-10 on Monday. The high-flying hitting performance was a huge turnaround for the Fighting Irish considering their one-run performance the contest before.
Caitlin Brooks made a big impact no matter where she played. She struck out 16 batters over seven innings while giving up eight earned (and two unearned) runs off six hits. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't tossed less than nine strikeouts any time she's pitched this season. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with two RBI.
In other batting news, Hadley Troutt was incredible, going 3-for-5 with one home run, four runs, and four RBI. She also put up a triple, which was her first of the season. Emily Lemaster was another key player, going 3-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and four RBI.
Knoxville Catholic's record is now 5-1. As for Grace Christian Academy, their loss dropped their record down to 1-3.
Tuesday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Grace Christian Academy hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .413. However, it's not like Knoxville Catholic struggles in that department as they've averaged .412. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Everything went Grace Christian Academy's way against Knoxville Catholic when the teams last played back in April of 2021, as Grace Christian Academy made off with an 11-1 win. The rematch might be a little tougher for Grace Christian Academy since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
