Softball Game Preview: Saranac Spartans vs. Peru Nighthawks

The Saranac Spartans will take on the Peru Nighthawks at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Saranac will be looking to extend their current ten-game winning streak.

For some reason, the away team has come away with the win the last five times Saranac and Plattsburgh have met, but the home crowd finally got their W on Tuesday. The Spartans never let the Hornets get on the board and left with a 12-0 win. Considering the Spartans have won nine matches by more than six runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.

Irelyn Ryan was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBI.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Layla Pellerin, who went 1-for-2 with three runs and one RBI. Another player making a difference was Emily McDermott, who went 1-for-2 with two runs and one double.

Meanwhile, it was close, but on Tuesday Peru sidestepped Northeastern Clinton for a 6-4 victory. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Nighthawks have posted against the Cougars since May 18, 2022.

Saranac's victory was their seventh straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 12-3. Those home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.3 runs on average over those games. As for Peru, they have been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 7-5 record this season.

Saranac came out on top in a nail-biter against Peru when the teams last played two weeks ago, sneaking past 8-6. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Spartans since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.