Hamden hasn't had much luck against Hand recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Dragons will head out on the road to challenge the Tigers at 4:00 p.m. Hamden is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.4 runs per game this season.
Hamden is coming in off a wild two-game stretch: after soaring to 16 runs on Tuesday, they were much more limited against Shelton on Friday. They lost 10-1 to the Gaels.
Hamden saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Felicity Potkay, who went 1-for-3 with one triple and one run. That triple marked the first that Potkay has hit this season.
Meanwhile, Hand got the win against Bristol Central on Thursday by a conclusive 12-5. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Tigers.
Campbell Leckey made a splash while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out ten batters over seven innings while giving up four earned (and one unearned) runs off nine hits. Those ten strikeouts gave her a new career-high. She was also big at the plate, going 1-for-4 with one stolen base, one run, and one double.
In other batting news, Hand got a massive performance out of Lena Aguzzi, who went 3-for-4 with one triple, one stolen base, and one run. Danielle Phelan was another key player, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with two RBI and one run.
Hamden's defeat dropped their record down to 8-10. As for Hand, their record is now 11-8.
Monday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Hamden has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .445. However, it's not like Hand struggles in that department as they've averaged .434. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Hamden suffered a grim 15-1 defeat to Hand in their previous matchup back in April. Can the Dragons avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
