The Patrick Henry Patriots will take on the Hicksville Aces at 5:00 p.m. on Monday. Patrick Henry will come into the game with an undefeated record on the line.
While Patrick Henry didn't have the best season last year (they finished 10-13), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. They walked away with a 13-9 win over Paulding on Thursday.
Patrick Henry got a massive performance out of Kasey Nelson, who scored a run while going 3-for-5. Sophie Schwab was another key player, going 1-for-3 with four RBI, one triple, and one run.
Patrick Henry was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .394. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .308 or higher every time they've taken the field this season.
Meanwhile, Hicksville has relied on a stalwart pitchers averaging four runs allowed per game, but that average took a hit on Friday. They won by a run and slipped past Archbold 11-10. While the Aces didn't have the best season last year (they finished 6-14), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past.
Kennedy Adams was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching six innings while giving up three earned (and one unearned) runs off eight hits. Adams was also big at the plate, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-4. That stolen base marked the first that she snagged this season.
In other batting news, Lilly Porter was a standout: she went 2-for-3 with one triple, two RBI, and one run. She also put up a double, which was her first of the season. Another player making a difference was Mckenna Baird, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 3-for-5.
Patrick Henry's victory bumped their record up to 7-0. As for Hicksville, the win made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 4-1.
Monday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Patrick Henry has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .513. However, it's not like Hicksville struggles in that department as they've averaged .533. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Patrick Henry suffered a grim 18-3 defeat to Hicksville in their previous matchup back in April of 2023. Can the Patriots avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
