Monday’s matchup between Adams Central and Bellmont in softball is, like most years, a passion-filled rivalry game featuring players who often play travel ball together but go to separate schools.
The storyline for the 2023 meeting between the two rivals is a mixed start to the season in the opening week, with both teams going 1-1. Maddie Hill was hit hard in both starts for Adams Central and Piper Baker allowed six runs in her first eight innings of her senior season, dropping a tough extra-inning game to Jay County.
There will be little mystery for either coaching staff in regards to the two starters, with nearly every hitter knowing the pitching armory of both Hill and Baker.
What is more likely to make the difference in Monday’s game, which will be broadcast live from Adams Central High School on WZBD, is the infield defense. The Braves showed pretty good defense in the first two games of the year, even with a new face at third base in Makenzie Mankey.
Bellmont did show promise with the bats with 15 runs against Bluffton Thursday and a 20-run barrage at Garrett Friday. Six different girls knocked in at least two runs, with Mary Kate Scheumann leading the way with three RBI. The best athlete on the team, Emily Bleke, was back behind the plate after moving to the outfield against Bluffton and she went three for five, finishing just a homer shy of the cycle and scoring three runs.
First pitch for Monday’s intra-county showdown is scheduled for 5 p.m.