Madison West is 0-10 against Middleton since May of 2021 but things could change on Friday. The Regents will host the Cardinals at 5:00 p.m.
Madison West is headed into Friday's match looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their sixth straight game on Tuesday. They took a 3-0 hit to the loss column at the hands of Sun Prairie East.
Meanwhile, Middleton entered their tilt with Janesville Craig on Thursday with 13 consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with 14. They blew past the Cougars 13-3. The result was nothing new for the Cardinals, who have now won nine contests by eight runs or more so far this season.
Megan Button made a splash while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only one hit over four innings pitched. She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 14 consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with four runs, four RBI, and one stolen base. Those four runs gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, Lily Kulow was incredible, going 3-for-4 with four RBI, two doubles, and one run. Those four RBI gave her a new career-high. Macey Blazek was another key player, going 3-for-4 with three runs.
Middleton kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 14 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits in five consecutive games.
Middleton's win was their seventh straight at home, which pushed their record up to 16-1. The home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.1 runs over those games. As for Madison West, their defeat dropped their record down to 1-12.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Madison West has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.9 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Middleton struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.4 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Madison West came up short against Middleton when the teams last played back in April, falling 7-4. Will the Regents have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.
