Dedham is on a three-game streak of home losses, and Ashland a five-game streak of away losses. However, someone's due for a change in luck on Wednesday. The Dedham Marauders will host the Ashland Clockers at 6:00 p.m. Dedham has given up an average of 7 runs per game this season, but Wednesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Dedham lost 17-6 to Hopkinton on Monday.
Liana Florio was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-4 with two runs, two RBI, and one double.
Meanwhile, Ashland hadn't done well against Holliston recently (they were 1-8 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Monday. The Clockers walked away with a 7-3 victory over the Panthers. The win was some much needed relief for the Clockers as it spelled an end to their three-game losing streak.
Neko Ustaris made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she tossed seven innings while giving up three earned runs off seven hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with four runs, two stolen bases, and one triple. That's the most runs she has posted since back in April.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Rebecca Kriegsman, who went 3-for-4 with three RBI. Those three hits gave her a new career-high.
Dedham's defeat dropped their record down to 7-11-1. As for Ashland, their victory bumped their record up to 5-12.
Ashland's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Dedham has been making plenty of contact this season, having averaged 9.8 hits per game. It's a different story for Ashland, though, as they've been averaging 12.2 hits. Given Dedham's sizable advantage in that area, the Clockers will need to find a way to close that gap.
Dedham took their win against Ashland in their previous matchup back in April by a conclusive 12-1 score. Will the Marauders repeat their success, or do the Clockers have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
