Riverside is on a four-game streak of home losses, and Old Forge a three-game streak of away losses. However, someone's due for a change in luck on Monday. The Riverside Vikings will be playing at home against the Old Forge Blue Devils at 4:30 p.m. Riverside has given up an average of 8.5 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Riverside fell victim to Mid Valley and their airtight pitching crew on Wednesday. They came up short against the Spartans, falling 12-0. Having soared to a lofty 13 runs in the game before, the Vikings' shutout was a dramatic turnaround.
Meanwhile, Old Forge never let their opponents score on Thursday. They were the clear victors by a 15-0 margin over Greater Nanticoke Area. The result was nothing new for the Blue Devils, who have now won nine matchups by six runs or more so far this season.
Kamryn Notari was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only one hit while striking out six over four innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up a single earned run in three consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with two runs and one RBI.
In other batting news, Joselyn DeStefano was incredible, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with one home run and five RBI. Those five RBI gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Danica Pritchyk, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with three runs and one RBI.
Old Forge is on a roll lately: they've won four of their last five contests. That's provided a massive bump to their 9-8 record this season. The wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.2 runs over those games. As for Riverside, their loss dropped their record down to 8-11.
Fans could be in store for some top-tier slugging on Monday. Riverside hasn't had any problems when it comes to power this season, having averaged 0.7 home runs per game. However, it's not like Old Forge struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 0.5 home runs. With so much power on both teams, it'll be down to the pitchers to keep the mound locked down.
Riverside suffered a grim 11-1 defeat to Old Forge in their previous meeting back in April. Will the Vikings have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
