The Coalfield Yellow Jackets will face off against the Wartburg Central Bulldogs at 6:35 p.m. on Thursday. Coalfield will be coming into the contest with an undefeated record on the line.
Coalfield took a ten-run defeat the last time they faced off against Oliver Springs, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. Coalfield had just enough and edged out Oliver Springs 5-3. While the Yellow Jackets didn't have the best season last year (they finished 4-14), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past.
Olivia Laymance spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and one unearned) runs on ten hits and racked up 11 Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Coalfield let Ashton Chamblee and Taylor Chamblee run wild. Ashton scored a run and stole a base while going 1-for-3, while Taylor scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-3. Taylor also hit a double, marking her first of the season.
Meanwhile, Wartburg Central didn't have quite enough to beat Anderson County on Tuesday and fell 2-1. The loss was the Bulldogs' first of the season.
Wartburg Central also let their pitcher toss all seven innings and she was also dialed-in: Braylen Melton gave up two runs (both of which were unearned) on four hits and racked up nine Ks.
At the plate, Wartburg Central saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Caleigh Crouch, who went 2-for-4 with one RBI.
Even though they lost, Wartburg Central hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now struck out at most five strikeouts every time they've taken the field this season.
Having lost for the first time this season, Wartburg Central fell to 2-1. As for Coalfield, their win was their third straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 5-0.
Thursday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Coalfield hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .341. However, it's not like Wartburg Central struggles in that department as they've averaged .361. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Coalfield might still be hurting after the 10-0 loss they got from Wartburg Central in their previous meeting back in April of 2024. Will Coalfield have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
