Powers Catholic hasn't had much luck against Grand Blanc recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Chargers will challenge the Bobcats at 4:00 p.m. Powers Catholic has given up an average of 11.4 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Powers Catholic is headed into Thursday's game looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their sixth straight game on Monday. They came up short against Central, falling 17-0.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Grand Blanc). They never let Lapeer East get on the board and left with an 18-0 win on Monday. Considering the Bobcats have won 14 contests by more than six runs this season, Monday's blowout was nothing new.
Kayla Blumenschein was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, keeping things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out 11 over four innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in 13 consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with two RBI, one run, and one double.
In other batting news, Ella Stevenson was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs, four RBI, and one double. That's the most hits she has posted since back in April. Mackenzie Jacobson was another key player, going 1-for-2 with three runs, one double, and one RBI.
Grand Blanc was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .536. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .423 or higher in three consecutive matchups.
Grand Blanc has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won eight of their last nine games. That's provided a nice bump to their 20-3 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.1 runs over those games. As for Powers Catholic, their loss dropped their record down to 2-12.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Powers Catholic has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Grand Blanc struggles in that department as they've been averaging 12.2 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Powers Catholic might still be hurting after the 7-1 defeat they got from Grand Blanc in their previous meeting back in May of 2024. Can the Chargers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
