The Jennings County Panthers will challenge the Brownstown Central Braves at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. Keep an eye on the score for this one: the two teams posted some lofty run totals in their previous games.
Jennings County is headed into Friday's matchup looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fourth straight game on Saturday. They fell 16-13 to East Central. Even though they lost, the Panthers' still made a splash at the plate and bumped their average scoring up to 6.4 runs per game (they're now ranked -1th in scoring overall).
Emma Clapp stepped up to lead a balanced group of hitters: she went 2-for-3 with four RBI, two runs, and one double. Another player making a difference was Riley Byford, who got on base in four of her five plate appearances with three runs and one stolen base.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Brownstown Central). Their pitcher stepped up to hand Austin a 16-0 shutout on Thursday. The win continues a trend for the Braves in their matchups with the Eagles: they've now won eight in a row.
Avery Wilson was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only two hits while striking out nine over six innings pitched. Those nine strikeouts gave her a new career-high. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with one home run and two RBI.
In other batting news, Olivia Justice was incredible, going 3-for-4 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. That's the most runs she has posted since back in May of 2024. Kinzee Dean was another key player, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two doubles and one stolen base.
Brownstown Central always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .525. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
The victory got Brownstown Central back to even at 3-3. As for Jennings County, their loss dropped their record down to 4-6.
Friday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Jennings County hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .357. However, it's not like Brownstown Central struggles in that department as they've averaged .387. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Jennings County skirted past Brownstown Central 8-7 in their previous meeting back in March of 2024. Do the Panthers have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Braves turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
