The Richmond Bobcats are taking a road trip to face off against the Carrabec Cobras at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. Richmond is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.4 runs per game this season.
Richmond came into their game on Thursday off a hard-fought close win, but unfortunately suffered a serious change of fortune. They came up short against Buckfield, falling 10-0. The match marked the first time this year in which the Bobcats were not able to get on the board.
Meanwhile, Carrabec put another one in the bag on Thursday to keep their perfect season alive. They blew past Valley 9-2. Considering the Cobras have won three games by more than six runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.
Jillian Robinson spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered two runs (both of which were unearned) on five hits. She has been consistent: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts any time she's pitched this season.
At the plate, Karen Baker and Amiya Tibbetts did most of the damage at the plate: Baker went a perfect 2-for-2 with three runs, one triple, and one stolen base, while Tibbetts went a perfect 3-for-3 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one triple. That triple was Tibbetts' first of the season. Josephine Scheve was another key player, going 1-for-3 with two RBI, one run, and one double.
Carrabec hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team has now struck out at least four batters every time they've taken the field this season.
Carrabec pushed their record up to 5-0 with the win, which was their 11th straight at home dating back to last season. Those home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.2 runs on average over those games. As for Richmond, the defeat snapped their winning streak at three games and leaves them with a 4-4 record.
Saturday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Richmond has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .455. However, it's not like Carrabec struggles in that department as they've averaged .533. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Richmond couldn't quite finish off Carrabec in their previous meeting on Friday and fell 16-14. Can the Bobcats avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
