The Johnston Panthers will challenge the Portsmouth Patriots at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Johnston is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 11.4 runs per game this season.
Johnston's pitching crew heads into the matchup hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Tuesday. They were the clear victors by a 16-0 margin over Mt. Hope. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Panthers.
Haley Boudreau
| 04/29/25 @ Mt. Hope | 8 |
| 04/23/25 @ Burrillville | 21 |
| 04/21/25 vs St. Raphael Academy | 17 |
| 04/17/25 vs North Providence | 6 |
| 04/17/25 @ North Providence | 12 |
| + 2 more games |
Haley Boudreau was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out eight batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and not a single walk). She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts any time she's pitched this season. She was also big at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. That's the most hits she has posted since back in May of 2024.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Kalyn Foster, who went 1-for-2 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. That home run marked the first that she has launched this season. Another player making a difference was Mariah Fluery, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.
Johnston always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .750. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Mt. Hope only posted an OBP of .000.
Meanwhile, Portsmouth faced West Warwick in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Tuesday. The Patriots lost 14-5 to the Wizards. The Patriots' loss continues a trend for the squad, making it three in a row.
Kaylyn Aubuchon made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went 3-for-4 with two runs and one RBI.
Johnston pushed their record up to 6-1 with the victory, which was their seventh straight on the road dating back to last season. The road wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they've averaged 11.3 runs this season. As for Portsmouth, they now have a losing record of 5-6.
Thursday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Johnston hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .378. However, it's not like Portsmouth struggles in that department as they've averaged .413. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Johnston came up short against Portsmouth when the teams last played back in June of 2024, falling 5-0. Can the Panthers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
