Sparta is 0-9 against Red Bud since March of 2017 but things could change on Thursday. The Bulldogs will welcome the Musketeers at 4:30 p.m. Sparta is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.7 runs per game this season.
Sparta took a eight-run defeat the last time they faced off against Steeleville, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Bulldogs had just enough and edged out the Warriors 5-4. The win was some much needed relief for the Bulldogs as it spelled an end to their three-game losing streak.
Ruth Pillers was excellent, going 2-for-3 with two RBI and one run. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in April. Kenzie Pierce also deserves some recognition as she hit her first triple of the season.
Meanwhile, Red Bud came tearing into Wednesday's matchup with three straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 10.3 runs), and they left with even more momentum. They blew past the Indians 9-1. The result was nothing new for the Musketeers, who have now won seven contests by six runs or more so far this season.
Kendra Ehret spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered a run (which was unearned) on five hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Ava Wagner, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with four stolen bases, three runs, and two RBI. Another player making a difference was Peyton Kreher, who went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases and one RBI.
Red Bud was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .414. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .400 or higher in four consecutive games.
Red Bud pushed their record up to 16-6 with the victory, which was their seventh straight at home. The home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.3 runs over those games. As for Sparta, their victory bumped their record up to 9-14.
Thursday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Sparta hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .342. However, it's not like Red Bud struggles in that department as they've averaged .378. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Sparta came up short against Red Bud when the teams last played on Tuesday, falling 6-3. Will the Bulldogs have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
