Thompson Valley hasn't had much luck against Severance recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Eagles will square off against the Silver Knights at 4:00 p.m. Thompson Valley has given up an average of 11.2 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Thompson Valley came into their game on Tuesday off a hard-fought close win, but unfortunately suffered a serious change of fortune. They lost 16-1 to Berthoud.
Thompson Valley saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Mia Villafranca, who went 1-for-3 with one RBI. Another was Ella Raabe, who got on base in all three of her plate appearances with one run.
Meanwhile, Severance waltzed into their matchup on Tuesday with three straight wins... but they left with four. Their pitcher stepped up to hand the Cubs an 18-0 shutout. The result was nothing new for the Silver Knights, who have now won ten contests by eight runs or more so far this season.
Katie Thomas was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out seven batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit (and only one walk). She has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than seven strikeouts in four consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with four RBI, one run, and one double.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Zeta Gattis, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with three stolen bases, three runs, and one double. She continues to improve, besting her previous run total in each of the last three games she's played. Alex Avila also deserves some recognition as she launched her first home run of the season.
Severance was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .593. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .320 or higher in four consecutive games.
Severance's record is now 14-4-1. As for Thompson Valley, their defeat dropped their record down to 7-10.
Thursday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Thompson Valley has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .440. However, it's not like Severance struggles in that department as they've averaged .513. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Thompson Valley suffered a grim 21-0 defeat to Severance when the teams last played back in September. Can the Eagles avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
