The West Branch Warriors will square off against the Columbiana Clippers at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday. West Branch will be strutting in after a win while Columbiana will be coming in after a loss.
West Branch made up a huge gap compared to their last game against Howland, but they still couldn't quite topple them. The Warriors blew past the Tigers 12-4 on Thursday. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Warriors.
Ellie Tucker
| 04/03/25 @ Howland | 2 |
| 03/29/25 @ Girard | 2 |
| 03/27/25 vs Canfield | 1 |
Ellie Tucker and Klary McKay were a major factor no matter where they played. Throwing, Tucker pitched four innings while giving up just two earned (and two unearned) runs off four hits. Meanwhile, McKay tossed 2.2 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Tucker has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks any time she's pitched this season. At the plate, Tucker went 2-for-5 with one home run and two runs, while McKay scored three runs while getting on base in four of her five plate appearances.
In other batting news, Addi Craven was excellent, scoring a run while going 3-for-5. The team also got some help courtesy of Sara Schmidt, who scored a run while going 2-for-4.
West Branch was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .447. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Howland only posted a batting average of .200.
Meanwhile, Columbiana came up short against Boardman on Friday, falling 9-2.
Columbiana saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Anna Yonker, who went 1-for-2 with two RBI. Those RBI were Yonker's first of the season.
West Branch now has a winning record of 2-1. As for Columbiana, their defeat ended a 15-game streak of wins at home dating back to last season and dropped them to 5-4.
Saturday's match will be a test for both teams' pitchers. West Branch hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .326. However, it's not like Columbiana struggles in that department as they've averaged .320. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
West Branch couldn't quite get it done against Columbiana in their previous matchup back in April of 2024 as they fell 5-1. Will the Warriors 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.
