Softball Game Preview: Johnstown-Monroe Johnnies vs. Mt. Vernon Yellowjackets

The Johnstown-Monroe Johnnies will head out to take on the Mt. Vernon Yellowjackets at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Both teams took a loss in their last game, so they'll have plenty of motivation to get the 'W'.

On Thursday, Johnstown-Monroe came up short against Highland and fell 15-10. The Johnnies have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Brooklyn Wood and Jenna Hochanadel did some serious damage despite the final result: Wood scored two runs while going 1-for-4, while Hochanadel went 1-for-3 with one triple and one run. Another player making a difference was Addy Zak, who went 2-for-5 with one double and one RBI.

Meanwhile, Mt. Vernon fought the good fight in their extra-innings match against Licking Valley on Wednesday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell just short of the Panthers by a score of 4-3. The loss was the Yellowjackets' first of the season.

Jocelyn Scarbury spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned (and one unearned) runs on five hits and racked up six Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts any time she's pitched this season.

At the plate, Hailey Rudrick was cooking despite her team's loss, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 2-for-3. Gabby Beck also deserves some recognition as she brought in her first RBI of the season.

Johnstown-Monroe now has a losing record of 1-2. As for Mt. Vernon, their loss was their first of the season and makes their record 5-1.

Friday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Johnstown-Monroe has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .433. However, it's not like Mt. Vernon struggles in that department as they've averaged .448. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Johnstown-Monroe suffered a grim 14-2 defeat to Mt. Vernon in their previous matchup back in April of 2018. Can the Johnnies avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.