Softball Game Preview: Wayne Memorial Zebras vs. Franklin Patriots

Wayne Memorial is 0-9 against Franklin since April of 2015 but things could change on Wednesday. The Zebras will look to take advantage of their home field for the first time this season as they take on the Patriots at 4:00 p.m. Wayne Memorial will aim to continue their three-game streak of scoring more runs each contest than the last.

Wayne Memorial is headed in fresh off scoring the most runs they have all season. They fell just short of Dearborn by a score of 15-14 on Wednesday. Even if the Zebras couldn't come away with the victory, the high-scoring effort was a great turnaround for their hitters, which had struggled int the games prior.

Vanessa Kinsey stepped up to lead a balanced group of hitters: she went 3-for-4 with four RBI, two runs, and two doubles. Those hits marked the first that she has got this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Patricia Humphrey, who got on base in all three of her plate appearances with three stolen bases, two RBI, and one run.

Meanwhile, Franklin lost 14-6 to Bloomfield Hills on Tuesday. The Patriots haven't had much luck with the Black Hawks recently, as the team has come up short the last three times they've met.

Franklin saw nine different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Riley Kirk, who went 1-for-2 with two RBI and one double. Grace Wonfor was another, going 1-for-3 with two RBI.

Franklin's defeat dropped their record down to 1-4. As for Wayne Memorial, their loss dropped their record down to 0-5.

Wednesday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Wayne Memorial has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .435. However, it's not like Franklin struggles in that department as they've averaged .439. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Wayne Memorial might still be hurting after the 16-0 defeat they got from Franklin in their previous matchup back in April of 2023. Can the Zebras avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.