Austin hasn't had much luck against Salem recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Eagles will be playing in front of their home fans against the Lions at 5:30 p.m. Austin is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.5 runs per game this season.
Austin will roll into the game after a wild two-game stretch: they didn't score any runs on Wednesday, then bounced right back against Crothersville on Monday. The Eagles blew past the Tigers 22-4. The Eagles have beaten the Tigers the last three times they've met, but they better watch out: this was the closest the Tigers has come to flipping the script.
Myca Buckel and Julia Harris made a big impact no matter where they played. On the mound, Buckel tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Harris tossed two innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run but no hits. Buckel has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than one walk in four consecutive appearances. At the plate, Buckel went 3-for-5 with five RBI, three runs, and one stolen base, while Harris went 3-for-4 with one home run, four stolen bases, and four runs.
In other batting news, Raelynn Montgomery was a standout: she went 3-for-5 with three runs, four RBI, and one triple. Another player making a difference was Jordan Richie, who got on base in all five of her plate appearances with three stolen bases, four runs, and one double.
Austin hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Crothersville struck out 12 times.
Meanwhile, Salem didn't have quite enough to beat Providence on Monday and fell 3-1.
Salem saw two different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Kenadie Garloch, who went 1-for-3 with one stolen base.
Salem's loss ended a three-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 6-3. As for Austin, their win bumped their record up to 4-6.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Tuesday as neither team is afraid to steal. Austin has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.6 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Salem struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 4.7 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Austin suffered a grim 19-2 defeat to Salem in their previous meeting back in April of 2024. Will the Eagles have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.