Grafton hasn't had much luck against Buckhannon-Upshur recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Bearcats will welcome the Buccaneers at 6:00 p.m. Grafton is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.4 runs per game this season.
If Grafton beats Buckhannon-Upshur with 18 runs on Thursday, it's going to be the squad's new lucky number: they've won their past two matchups with that exact score. The Bearcats' pitchers stepped up to hand Liberty an 18-0 shutout on Wednesday. The win was nothing new for the Bearcats as they're now sitting on three straight.
Lillie Crimm was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in five consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with one stolen base, one run, and one double.
Ruth Horne
| 04/23/25 @ Liberty | 5 |
| 04/23/24 @ Fairmont Senior | 3 |
| 04/10/24 vs Bridgeport | 3 |
| 04/15/25 vs Livonia | 2 |
| 04/12/25 @ Bridgeport | 2 |
In other batting news, Ruth Horne was incredible, going 2-for-3 with five stolen bases, four runs, and two RBI. Those five stolen bases gave her a new career-high. Karigan Wildroudt was another key player, going a perfect 2-for-2 with three stolen bases, two runs, and one double.
Grafton was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .478. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their batting average total in three consecutive games.
The home team had won the previous four meetings between Buckhannon-Upshur and University, and University kept the tradition alive. The Buccaneers came up short against the Hawks on Tuesday, falling 13-5.
Alyssa Abel was cooking despite her team's loss, going a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs.
Grafton's victory bumped their record up to 10-4-1. As for Buckhannon-Upshur, their loss dropped their record down to 8-7.
Thursday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Grafton hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .325. However, it's not like Buckhannon-Upshur struggles in that department as they've averaged .323. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Grafton couldn't quite get it done against Buckhannon-Upshur when the teams last played back in March as they fell 6-3. Can the Bearcats avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
