The Crestview Cougars are taking a road trip to take on the Monroeville Eagles at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. The squads are rolling into the game with opposing streaks: Crestview has struggled recently with three losses in a row, while Monroeville will arrive with five straight victories.
Crestview managed to slip by Shelby the last time these teams faced off, but didn't have those same answers this time around. The Cougars came up short against the Whippets on Thursday, falling 13-4.
Bria White made the most of her time in the batter's box despite the final result and went 1-for-3 with one home run and three RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Carlee Crider, who went 2-for-3 with one run.
St. Paul typically has all the answers at home, but on Thursday Monroeville proved too difficult a challenge. They put the hurt on the Flyers with a sharp 8-2 win. The result was nothing new for the Eagles, who have now won seven games by six runs or more so far this season.
Payton Weilnau made a splash no matter where she played. She didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out 18 over seven innings pitched. She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in 14 consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 1-for-2 with two runs and one double.
In other batting news, Brooke Morman was excellent, going 1-for-2 with two runs and two RBI. That's the most runs she has posted since back in April. Another player making a difference was Madison Reiber, who went 2-for-4 with two runs and one double.
Monroeville hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team has now struck out at least five batters in five consecutive matchups.
Crestview's defeat dropped their record down to 8-8. As for Monroeville, their record is now 13-5.
Saturday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Crestview has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .444. However, it's not like Monroeville struggles in that department as they've averaged .449. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Crestview skirted past Monroeville 1-0 in their previous matchup back in April. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Cougars since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
