Brookside is 0-10 against Keystone since April of 2021 but things could change on Thursday. The Cardinals will square off against the Wildcats at 5:00 p.m. Both come into the game bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
For some reason, the away team has come away with the win the last five times Brookside and Firelands have met, but the home crowd finally got their W on Tuesday. The Cardinals came out on top in a nail-biter against the Falcons, sneaking past 9-8. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Cardinals have posted since May 10, 2025.
Markie-Ann Aliff made a splash no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out seven batters over seven innings while giving up three earned (and five unearned) runs off 11 hits. Aliff was even better at the plate, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and three RBI. That's the most stolen bases she has posted since back in May of 2025.
In other batting news, Khloe Racz was incredible, going 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, three RBI, and one triple. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in May of 2025. Another player making a difference was Cailynn Weppelman, who went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, one run, and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Keystone entered their tilt with Wellington on Tuesday with nine consecutive wins but they'll enter their next game with ten. They never let the Dukes get on the board and left with a 25-0 win. Considering the Wildcats have won seven contests by more than five runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
Like Brookside, Keystone also got a great game from a two-way player: Brooklyn Modock. She tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Modock has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in three consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in three of her five plate appearances with three runs, two RBI, and one double.
In other pitching news, Macie Banks looked comfortable as she tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two hits in three consecutive appearances.
Back at the plate, Kyriana Grahn was a standout: she went a perfect 3-for-3 with five RBI, two runs, and one triple. Bry Keating also deserves some recognition as she got her first hits of the season.
Keystone always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .609. That was just more of the same: they've now posted an OBP of .514 or higher in four consecutive matchups.
Keystone's record is now 13-2. As for Brookside, their victory was their first in the conference, bumping their conference record up to 1-2 and their overall record up to 3-6.
Thursday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Brookside hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .349. However, it's not like Keystone struggles in that department as they've averaged .367. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Brookside might still be hurting after the 17-0 loss they got from Keystone when the teams last played last Tuesday. Can the Cardinals avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
