The Salem Greyhounds will face off against the Melbourne Bearkatz at 4:00 p.m. on Monday. Salem will be looking to extend their current nine-game winning streak.
Salem gave up the first runs on Thursday, but they didn't let that get them down. Everything went their way against Cave City as they made off with a 14-4 victory. The result was nothing new for the Greyhounds, who have now won 12 matchups by six runs or more so far this season.
Salem got a massive performance out of Natalie Welch, who went 2-for-3 with three runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. Allison Smith was another key player, going 2-for-4 with three runs, one double, and one RBI.
Meanwhile, after a string of seven wins, Melbourne's good fortune finally ran out on Tuesday. They took a 6-1 hit to the loss column at the hands of Riverside.
Kallie Thornton spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and four unearned) runs on six hits and racked up ten Ks. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than ten strikeouts in three consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Maggie Pierson was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one double.
Salem's win was their 12th straight on the road dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 13-1. The road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.3 runs over those games. As for Melbourne, their defeat dropped their record down to 11-5.
Salem beat Melbourne 6-1 when the teams last played back in March. Do the Greyhounds have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Bearkatz turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
