The Mechanicsville Mustangs will square off against the Caroline Cavaliers at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Both come into the contest bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Mechanicsville will roll into the game after a wild two-game stretch: they only put up one run on Wednesday, then bounced right back against Highland Springs on Monday. The Mustangs put the hurt on the Springers with a sharp 16-6 victory. The Mustangs' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Bailey Johnson made a big impact no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out six batters over five innings while giving up just two earned (and four unearned) runs off seven hits (and only one walk). That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in April of 2024. She was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 2-for-3. She also put up three RBI, which were her first of the season.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Ella Hagen, who scored three runs and stole three bases while going 3-for-3. She also brought in two RBI, marking her first of the season. Camryn Shaw was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-5.
Mechanicsville always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .622. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Caroline hadn't done well against King George recently (they were 1-8 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Tuesday. The Cavaliers sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 2-1 win over the Foxes. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Cavaliers have posted since May 16, 2024.
Caroline's win was truly a team effort as four different players contributed at least one hit. One of them was Sammy Moore, who scored a run while going 1-for-2.
The victory was their first at home , bumping their record up to 2-3. As for Caroline, their win bumped their record up to 5-2.
Wednesday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Mechanicsville has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .455. However, it's not like Caroline struggles in that department as they've averaged .469. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Mechanicsville couldn't quite finish off Caroline in their previous matchup back in March of 2024 and fell 4-2. Can the Mustangs avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
