The North Jackson Chiefs will face off against the Smyrna Bulldogs at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday. Both come into the matchup bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
North Jackson picked up another tournament win on Monday. They put the hurt on Pleasure Ridge Park with a sharp 9-1 victory. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Chiefs.
Darcy McClendon made a splash no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. That's the fewest hits she has allowed since back in April of 2024. She was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 2-for-2. What's more, she posted three RBI, the most she's had since back in April of 2024.
In other batting news, Kinley Burton was excellent, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 2-for-3. Addie Reed also deserves some recognition as she hit her first double of the season.
North Jackson was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .650. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their batting average total in three consecutive games.
Meanwhile, Smyrna put another one in the bag on Saturday to keep their perfect season alive. They walked away with a 6-3 win over Lexington.
Smyrna let Talia Paredes and Charleigh Bailliez run wild. Paredes scored a run and stole a base while going 3-for-4, while Bailliez went 2-for-3 with one home run and two RBI. Paredes is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now snagged at least one in each of the last three games she's played.
North Jackson's record now sits at 7-11. As for Smyrna, their victory was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 7-0.
Tuesday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. North Jackson hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .373. However, it's not like Smyrna struggles in that department as they've averaged .353. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
North Jackson might still be hurting after the 8-1 loss they got from Smyrna in their previous meeting back in March of 2022. Can North Jackson avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
