Gray Stone Day hasn't had much luck against Union Academy recently, but that could start to change on Friday. Gray Stone Day will take on Union Academy at 6:00 p.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Having struggled with five defeats in a row, Gray Stone Day turned things around against North Hills Christian on Thursday. They were the clear victors by a 19-2 margin over the Eagles. The high-scoring effort was just what the Knights needed considering they were shut out in their previous match.
Lindsey Stirewalt made a splash while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Stirewalt was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with four RBI, two runs, and one stolen base.
In other batting news, London Gray and Reagan Bradshaw did most of the damage at the plate: Gray went 2-for-3 with three runs and four RBI, while Bradshaw scored two runs and stole a base while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances. Those four RBI gave Gray a new career-high. Isabella Shulenberger was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing a base while getting on base in two of her three plate appearances.
Gray Stone Day always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .700. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Meanwhile, Union Academy faced Marvin Ridge in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Wednesday. Union Academy blew past Marvin Ridge 12-5. The win was just business as usual for the Cardinals, who after 13 games remain undefeated this season.
Like Gray Stone Day, Union Academy also got a great game from a two-way player: Avery Wilson. On the mound, she struck out nine batters over seven innings while giving up three earned (and two unearned) runs off five hits (and only one walk). Wilson has been consistent for a while: she hasn't tossed less than seven strikeouts any time she's pitched this season. She was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in all five of her plate appearances with two RBI.
In other batting news, Union Academy got a big performance out of Keira Farmer, who scored three runs while going 4-for-5. Another player making a difference was Taylor Surratt, who scored two runs while going 2-for-4.
Union Academy's victory was their tenth straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 13-0.the team's perfect season has a lot to do with their hitting performance: the team won's by an average of 9.5 runs thus far As for Gray Stone Day, their record is now 3-5.
Friday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Gray Stone Day has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .470. However, it's not like Union Academy struggles in that department as they've averaged .546. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Gray Stone Day suffered a grim 10-0 defeat to Union Academy in their previous meeting on Tuesday. Can Gray Stone Day avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
