Pike hasn't had much luck against North Central recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Red Devils will venture away from home to challenge the Panthers at 5:30 p.m. Pike has given up an average of 18.8 runs per game this season, but Tuesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Pike is headed into Tuesday's contest looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their 14th straight game dating back to last season on Monday. They lost 21-11 to Heritage Christian. On the bright side, the 11- run effort marked the Red Devils' highest-scoring matchup to date.
Lilianna Richardson was cooking despite her team's loss, going a perfect 3-for-3 with four runs, four RBI, and one stolen base. Kamya Smith also deserves some recognition as she scored her first run of the season.
Meanwhile, it may have taken nine innings to finish the job, but North Central ultimately got the result they hoped for on Saturday. They narrowly escaped with a win as the team sidled past Indianapolis Bishop Chatard 11-10. The high-flying hitting performance was a huge turnaround for the Panthers considering their two-run performance the game before.
Harlow Heath made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing five innings while giving up just two earned runs off three hits. Heath was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two runs and one stolen base.
In other batting news, Kaelyn Sutherland and Samantha Saalfrank did most of the damage at the plate: Sutherland went 1-for-4 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI, while Saalfrank went 2-for-5 with two runs and one stolen base.
North Central kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 13 hits. They are a perfect 4-0 when they post 11 or more hits.
Pike's loss dropped their record down to 0-13. As for North Central, their record now sits at 4-6-1.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Tuesday as neither team is afraid to steal. Pike has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.2 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like North Central struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 3.2 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Pike might still be hurting after the 19-3 defeat they got from North Central in their previous meeting on Friday. Can the Red Devils avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
