Itasca is 0-10 against Italy since April of 2015 but things could change on Friday. The Itasca Wampus Cats will take on the Italy Gladiators at 7:00 p.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Itasca is headed in fresh off scoring the most runs they have all season. They blew past Meridian 18-3 on Friday.
Rylee Markwardt
| 03/14/25 vs Meridian | 4 |
| 03/07/25 vs Gholson | 2 |
| 03/01/25 vs Hubbard | 1 |
Itasca let Alyssa Arellano and Rylee Markwardt run wild. Arellano got on base in all three of her plate appearances with three runs, three RBI, and one triple, while Markwardt scored three runs and stole Four bases. while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances. Markwardt is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now snagged at least one in each of the last three games she's played. Another player making a difference was Tatum Abrego, who scored three runs and stole Three bases. while getting on base in two of her three plate appearances.
Itasca always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .767. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Meridian only posted an OBP of .400.
Meanwhile, Italy got themselves on the board against Meridian on Tuesday, but Meridian never followed suit. Everything went their way against the Yellowjackets as they made off with a 15-0 victory. Winning may never get old, but the Gladiators sure are getting used to it with their fifth in a row.
Meridian's batters probably weren't too happy with Kacey Stewart, who pitched a no hitter (she gave up two walks).
At the plate, Addy Slovak was a standout: she scored three runs and stole Four bases. while going 3-for-4. Olivia Ramirez was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-2.
Itasca's record now sits at 3-6. As for Italy, their record now sits at 9-4.
Friday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Itasca hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .455. However, it's not like Italy struggles in that department as they've averaged .502. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Itasca might still be hurting after the 24-0 defeat they got from Italy when the teams last played back in March of 2020. Can Itasca avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
