Independence has gone 9-1 against Rosa Fort recently and they'll look to pad the win column further on Tuesday. A feisty cat fight will be fought as Independence Wildcats face off against Rosa Fort Lions at 6:00 p.m. Both teams are coming into the matchup red-hot, with Independence sitting on six straight victories and Rosa Fort on three.
Independence's pitching crew heads into the contest hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Friday. They were the clear victors by a 16-0 margin over Coahoma County. Considering the Wildcats have won seven games by more than seven runs this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.
Eli Stepp
| 03/18/25 @ North Panola | 4 |
| 03/28/25 vs Coahoma County | 3 |
| 03/06/25 @ Greenville | 3 |
| 03/25/25 @ Coahoma County | 2 |
| 02/25/25 @ Senatobia | 2 |
| + 6 more games |
Independence got a big performance out of Eli Stepp, who scored three runs and stole two bases. Stepp is becoming a predictor of Independence's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 5-7 when he doesn't). The team also got some help courtesy of Dallas Stepp, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with three RBI.
Independence always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .630. They are a perfect 4-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Meanwhile, Rosa Fort beat North Panola 15-11 on Friday.
Kylan Poindexter was a major factor no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and only one walk). What's more, he gave up only zero earned runs, the fewest he's had since back in March of 2024. He was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring three runs and stealing four bases while getting on base in three of his five plate appearances. Those four stolen bases gave him a new career-high.
In other batting news, Derome Bobo was a standout: he scored two runs and stole five bases while getting on base in four of his five plate appearances. Bobo is crushing it when it comes to stolen bases: he's snagged at least one every time he's taken the field this season. Christian Hillard was another key player, scoring a run and stealing six bases while getting on base in three of his five plate appearances.
Independence's win bumped their record up to 10-7. As for Rosa Fort, their victory bumped their record up to 3-1.
Tuesday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Independence has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .434. However, it's not like Rosa Fort struggles in that department as they've averaged .504. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Independence took their win against Rosa Fort in their previous meeting back in April of 2024 by a conclusive 14-1. Does Independence have another victory up their sleeve, or will Rosa Fort turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
