The Platte Valley Broncos are taking a road trip to challenge the Valley Vikings at 4:00 p.m. on Monday. Platte Valley is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.5 runs per game this season.
12 must be Platte Valley's lucky number: they beat Holyoke with that score not once but twice on Saturday. The Broncos beat the Dragons by the very same score they won with in their prior game: 12-1. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Broncos.
Kyra Jessop and Alyssa Kendrick were major factors no matter where they played. On the mound, Jessop pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Kendrick kept things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out six over four innings pitched. Jessop has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two hits in four consecutive appearances. At bat, Jessop went 1-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI, while Kendrick went a perfect 3-for-3 with one run. That's the most hits Kendrick has posted since back in August.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Sydney Meyer, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run, three runs, and one stolen base. That's the most runs she has posted since back in August. Landree Edstrom was another key player, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.
Platte Valley hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their strikeout total in three consecutive games.
Meanwhile, Valley was not able to break out of their rough patch on Saturday as the team picked up their third straight defeat. They came up short against Sterling, falling 20-12. Even if the Vikings couldn't come away with the win, the high-scoring effort was a great turnaround for their hitters, which had struggled int the games prior.
Valley saw nine different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Danica Flesner, who went 4-for-5 with four RBI, two doubles, and one triple. Addison Dudley also deserves some recognition as she brought in her first RBI of the season.
Valley's loss dropped their record down to 6-12. As for Platte Valley, the victory got them back to even at 9-9.
Monday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Platte Valley has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .444. However, it's not like Valley struggles in that department as they've averaged .540. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Platte Valley suffered a grim 21-4 defeat to Valley in their previous meeting on September 4th. Can the Broncos avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
