The Norwalk Bears will head out to square off against the Ludlowe Falcons at 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday. The last five games Norwalk has played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.
On Monday, Norwalk didn't have quite enough to beat St. Joseph and fell 3-2.
Norwalk saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Sofia Hanlon, who went 1-for-2 with one run.
Meanwhile, Ludlowe made easy work of McMahon on Monday and carried off a 16-3 win. The Falcons might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won four contests by ten runs or more this season.
Finley Dean made a splash no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit (and only one walk). She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two hits in six consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in all three of her plate appearances with two runs.
In other batting news, Allie Tournas was incredible, getting on base in all five of her plate appearances with three runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. The dominant performance also gave her a new career-high in hits (three). Gia Patrone also deserves some recognition as she snagged her first stolen base of the season.
Ludlowe always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .700. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their OBP total in three consecutive matches.
Norwalk has been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 4-4 record this season. That patch can't be blamed on the team's pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.8 runs on average over those games. As for Ludlowe, the victory got them back to even at 5-5.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Wednesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Norwalk has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 9.9 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Ludlowe struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 7.4 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Norwalk suffered a grim 9-2 defeat to Ludlowe in their previous meeting back in April of 2024. Can the Bears avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
