Muncie Central is 0-4 against Monroe Central since May of 2016 but things could change on Thursday. The Bearcats will challenge the Golden Bears at 5:00 p.m. Muncie Central has given up an average of 15.2 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
It was a proper cat-fight when Muncie Central challenged Liberty Christian on Monday. The Bearcats came up short against the Lions, falling 19-5.
Muncie Central saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Jordyn Batt, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs and one triple. Clair Riddle also deserves some recognition as she hit her first triple of the season.
Meanwhile, Monroe Central entered their tilt with Madison-Grant on Wednesday with two consecutive wins but they'll enter their next game with three. They blew past the Argylls 13-3. The result was nothing new for the Golden Bears, who have now won six matchups by seven runs or more so far this season.
Lucy Huston was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run while striking out six over five innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in seven consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one double. That's the most stolen bases she has posted since back in April.
In other batting news, Monroe Central got a massive performance out of Haidyn Dumpert, who got on base in all four of her plate appearances with three stolen bases, three runs, and three RBI. That's the most RBI Dumpert has posted since back in April. Another player making a difference was Kloee Brannan, who went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one triple.
Monroe Central always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .567. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Monroe Central's record is now 7-10. As for Muncie Central, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-13.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Thursday as neither team is afraid to steal. Muncie Central has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Monroe Central struggles in that department as they've been averaging 4.6 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Muncie Central might still be hurting after the 17-1 loss they got from Monroe Central in their previous meeting back in May of 2024. Can the Bearcats avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
