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Ballard and Assumption, Louisville's best, collide. Here are 5 softball games to watch this week

j.l. kirven, louisville courier journal
·4 min read
Ballard’s Macy McCoy (20) beat the rundown back to third against Assumption at Ballard High School in Louisville, Ky. on May 5, 2021. Ballard won 5-0.
Ballard’s Macy McCoy (20) beat the rundown back to third against Assumption at Ballard High School in Louisville, Ky. on May 5, 2021. Ballard won 5-0.

Here are five of the best softball games in Louisville this week and the players who will have an impact on the outcome:

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Holy Cross at Fairdale

Game time: Monday, 5

Records: Holy Cross (11-9), Fairdale (12-15)

Outlook: The Cougars have won the last 12 meetings against Fairdale, but the Bulldogs' explosive offense could turn the tide in the series. The Bulldogs are 11-2 in games when they score over 10 runs, and they have batters like Hailey Krebs (2 home runs), Delaney Welker (4 HRs) and Lana Maupin (4 HRs) that can send the ball to the parking lot. If you're looking for high-scoring action, this could be the game for you.

Player to watch: Krebs is Fairdale's best hitter. She leads the team in RBIs (50), runs (23) and doubles (13), and her two home runs display her power behind the plate.

More: St. Xavier baseball's Jake Bennett is your Courier Journal Athlete of the Week

CAL at Atherton

Game time: Monday, 5:30

Records: CAL (13-12), Atherton (11-7)

Outlook: The Ravens got roughed up last week by a brutal stretch that resulted in four straight losses to Ballard, Oldham County, Elizabethtown and Pleasure Ridge Park. Atherton really could use a pick-me-up against CAL. The Centurions are a game above .500 and have lost their last six. Neither team has been able to stand up against the top teams of the Seventh Region, but this could be an intriguing matchup between two teams hungry for a win.

Player to watch: Atherton freshman Brooklyn Morales is batting .463 and is second on the team in hits (19). She looks like a foundational piece for the Ravens for the next few years.

Also: Rosters announced for Kentucky All-Stars basketball teams that will face Indiana in June

Collins at Oldham County

Game time: Tuesday, 6

Records: Collins (17-7), Oldham County (25-3)

Outlook: After suffering back-to-back losses to Anderson County April 22-23, Oldham County has some more work to do before it considers itself the best team in the Eighth Region. Since the two losses to the Bearcats, Oldham County has won three straight and will have the chance to make it four against another top team. Collins has won its last eight games and could also stake claim to being Anderson County's strongest opposition for the regional crown. Tuesday's meeting could provide clarity on the power struggle atop the Eighth Region.

Player to watch: Collins pitcher Brooke Morris (12-6, 3.01 ERA) is the Titans' ace in the circle and presents a challenge to Oldham County. Over 104.2 innings she's struck out 120 batters.

Mercy at Manual

Mercy Academy teammates huddle Tuesday night against Assumption High School. Assumption won the game 10-0 after an early offensive explosion. April 12, 2022
Mercy Academy teammates huddle Tuesday night against Assumption High School. Assumption won the game 10-0 after an early offensive explosion. April 12, 2022

Game time: Thursday, 5

Records: Mercy (12-8), Manual (19-5)

Outlook: Mercy picked up a pair of solid wins over Pleasure Ridge Park and Holy Cross last week. Out of the Crimsons' five losses, only one came at the hands of an in-state opponent (Male). That still hasn't been enough to pull Manual out of the shadows of Ballard and Assumption in the Seventh Region, but a win over the Jaguars would be another impressive addition to the résumé.

Plus: Male, Mercy and Oldham County dip in Kentucky softball poll. How far did they slide?

Player to watch: Jewel Fentress leads the Crimsons with 28 RBIs and posts a stellar .500 batting average. She also has some sneaky power (2 HRs). Watch for her to get Manual's offense going early.

Ballard at Assumption

Assumption's Izzy Rushing reacts after scoring a run Tuesday night against Mercy Academy. Assumption won the game 10-0 after an early offensive explosion. April 12, 2022
Assumption's Izzy Rushing reacts after scoring a run Tuesday night against Mercy Academy. Assumption won the game 10-0 after an early offensive explosion. April 12, 2022

Game time: Wednesday, 5:30

Records: Ballard (23-0), Assumption (19-4)

Outlook: Assumption has the best chance, albeit not an easy one, at handing No. 1 Ballard its first loss of the season. Of Ballard's 23 wins, 19 were won by three runs or more. Their games seldom go all seven innings, and the Bruins look like the favorite to win state. The Rockets stand in their way. Last season Ballard ended Assumption's year in the Seventh Region semifinals, but the game was Ballard's toughest up before the state tournament and that'll likely be the case again here. Wednesday's meeting may be a preview to the regional championship.

Player to watch: Ballard junior pitcher Brooke Gray's 227 strikeouts are third most in the state. In 100 innings, she's allowed only 23 hits and 14 runs (0.77 ERA). She was nearly unhittable against the Rockets in last year's regional semifinal, holding them scoreless while fanning 13 batters.

Follow Courier Journal reporter J.L. Kirven on Twitter @JL_Kirven for more updates on Louisville prep sports.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: KY high school softball: 5 major games to watch for week of May 2