Softball Preview: Manchester Blue Devils vs. Taylor County Vikings
Manchester hasn't had much luck against Taylor County recently, but that could start to change on Wednesday. The Manchester Blue Devils will venture away from home to face off against the Taylor County Vikings at 5:30 p.m. Manchester is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.5 runs per game this season.
Manchester is headed into Wednesday's game looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fourth straight game on Tuesday. They lost 18-1 to Spalding.
Manchester saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Marlee McInvale, who scored a run and stole a base while going 1-for-2.
Even though they lost, Manchester hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved they're strikeout total in three consecutive matches.
Meanwhile, Taylor County entered their tilt with Brookstone on Tuesday with two consecutive wins but they'll enter their next game with three. They walked away with a 9-5 victory over the Cougars.
Molleigh Gassett spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered one run (which was unearned) on four hits and racked up 13 Ks.
On the hitting side, Alyssa Nipper was incredible, scoring three runs and stealing three bases while going 1-for-5. Another player making a difference was Nashaila Sherman, who scored two runs and stole three bases.
Manchester's loss dropped their record down to 3-10. As for Taylor County, they pushed their record up to 9-5 with that win, which was their third straight on the road.
Wednesday's matchup will be a test for both team's pitchers. Manchester hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of 0. However, it's not like Taylor County struggles in that department as they've averaged 0. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Manchester suffered a grim 18-4 defeat to Taylor County in their previous meeting two weeks ago. Can Manchester avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
