The Franklin Knights will head out to challenge the West Middlesex Big Reds at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. Both come into the game bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Franklin is headed in fresh off scoring the most runs they have all season. Everything went their way against Warren on Friday as they made off with a 17-7 victory. The high-flying hitting performance was a huge turnaround for the Knights considering their one-run performance the contest before.
Jersey Swartz was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching six innings while giving up four earned (and three unearned) runs off 11 hits. Swartz was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in April of 2024.
In other batting news, Franklin got a massive performance out of Gabrielle Laderer, who got on base in four of her five plate appearances with four runs and one stolen base. Abigail Boland was another key player, getting on base in four of her five plate appearances with three runs, three RBI, and one double.
Franklin always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .590. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for West Middlesex, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Tuesday. They walked away with a 5-1 win over Rocky Grove on Wednesday. The victory continues a trend for the Big Reds in their matchups with the Orioles: they've now won six in a row.
Harper Nickel spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered a run (which was unearned) on two hits and racked up ten Ks. She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Allison Blanton was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with one triple, one run, and one double. That double marked the first that she has hit this season.
West Middlesex's record is now 7-9. As for Franklin, the win snapped their losing streak at four games and leaves them with a 4-13 record.
