The Blacksburg Bruins will head out to face off against the Auburn Eagles at 5:00 p.m. on Monday. Keep an eye on the score for this one: the two teams posted some lofty run totals in their previous games.
Blacksburg's pitching crew heads into the match hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Friday. They were the clear victors by a 10-0 margin over Patrick Henry.
Madelyn Williams was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run over five innings pitched. Williams was also big at the plate, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 1-for-3. That's the most runs she has posted since back in April of 2024.
In other batting news, Blacksburg let Clara McMahon and Aubrey Hudgins run wild. McMahon went 1-for-2 with one home run and three RBI, while Hudgins scored three runs and stole a base while going 3-for-3. That home run marked the first that McMahon launched this season. Keely Semtner was another key player, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 1-for-3.
Meanwhile, Auburn got the win against Fort Chiswell on Tuesday by a conclusive 15-0. Considering the Eagles have won five contests by more than seven runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
Like Blacksburg, Auburn also got a great game from a two-way player: McKenzie Booth. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only one hit while striking out 14 over six innings pitched. Booth has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with one home run and four RBI.
In other batting news, Hope Wilson was incredible, firing off two home runs, five RBI, and three runs while going 3-for-4. Another player making a difference was Ariel Mullins, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with one home run and three runs.
Auburn was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .406. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Fort Chiswell only posted a batting average of .053.
The win made it two in a row for Auburn and bumps their season record up to 6-2. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 15.5 runs over those games. As for Blacksburg, their record is now 4-2.
Monday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Blacksburg hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .337. However, it's not like Auburn struggles in that department as they've averaged .389. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Blacksburg skirted past Auburn 6-4 in their previous meeting last Thursday. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Bruins since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
