Mt. Zion and Williamsville are an even 3-3 against one another since March of 2016, but likely not for long. The Braves will be playing in front of their home fans against the Bullets at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Williamsville took a loss in their last contest and will be looking to turn the tables on Mt. Zion, who comes in off a win.
Mt. Zion took a loss when they played away from home on Monday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Tuesday. They put the hurt on Teutopolis with a sharp 15-5 win. The victory continues a trend for the Braves in their matchups with the Wooden Shoes: they've now won three in a row.
Avelyn Ethell
| 04/01/25 vs Teutopolis | 3 |
| 05/21/24 vs Decatur Eisenhower | 2 |
| 05/18/24 vs Lincoln | 2 |
| 05/11/24 vs Mahomet-Seymour | 2 |
| 04/25/24 vs Decatur Eisenhower | 2 |
Mt. Zion let Molly Doolin and Avelyn Ethell run wild. Doolin scored a run and stole a base while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances, while Ethell scored three runs while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances. Those three runs gave Ethell a new career-high. Addy Rotz was another key player, scoring two runs while getting on base in three of her five plate appearances.
Mt. Zion always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .632. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Teutopolis only posted an OBP of .464.
Meanwhile, Tuesday just wasn't the day for Williamsville's offense. They came up short against Washington on Tuesday, falling 12-0. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest loss the Bullets have suffered since May 3, 2024.
Mt. Zion's win was their 12th straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 2-1. Those home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.9 runs on average over those games. As for Williamsville, this is the second loss in a row for them and nudges their season record down to 2-2.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Mt. Zion has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Williamsville struggles in that department as they've been averaging 6.8 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Mt. Zion beat Williamsville 6-3 in their previous meeting back in March of 2024. Do the Braves have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Bullets turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
