The Ellsworth Eagles will venture away from home to face off against the Old Town Coyotes at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Ellsworth has given up an average of 6.6 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
While Ellsworth's win against Presque Isle wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. The Eagles won by a run and slipped past the Wildcats 13-12. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Eagles have posted since April 25th.
Meanwhile, after only two runs in their last matchup, Old Town made sure to put some runs up on the board against John Bapst Memorial on Tuesday. The Coyotes blew past the Crusaders 23-2. That looming 23-2 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for the Coyotes yet this season.
Haley Sirois made a big impact no matter where she played. She struck out six batters over 2.2 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and only one walk). She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, three runs, and three RBI. That home run was her first of the season.
In other batting news, Emily Wheeler was incredible, going 3-for-4 with one home run, six RBI, and four runs. That home run marked the first that she has launched this season. Kylea Carroll was another key player, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs, three RBI, and one stolen base.
Old Town always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .650. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
The win (which was Old Town's fourth in a row) raised their record to 6-3. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.3 runs over those games. As for Ellsworth, they have been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four contests. That's provided a massive bump to their 5-5 record this season.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Ellsworth has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.5 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Old Town struggles in that department as they've been averaging 6.7 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Ellsworth came out on top in a nail-biter against Old Town in their previous meeting back in April, sneaking past 2-1. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Eagles since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
