The LaBrae Vikings are taking a road trip to take on the Hubbard Eagles at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. LaBrae's pitching crew has only allowed 3.7 runs per game this season, so Hubbard's hitters will have their work cut out for them.
On Friday, LaBrae was able to grind out a solid victory over Girard, taking the game 6-1. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Vikings.
Riley Rowe was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she struck out ten batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits. Rowe was also big at the plate, firing off two home runs and three RBI while going 4-for-4.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Mariah Jones, who went 2-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double. Shelby Bragg was another key player, going 3-for-4 with one run.
LaBrae hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Girard struck out ten times.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Hubbard, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Tuesday. They blew past Cleveland Central Catholic 20-0 on Thursday. The result was nothing new for the Eagles, who have now won nine games by six runs or more so far this season.
Like LaBrae, Hubbard also got a great game from a two-way player: Haleigh Taylor. She looked comfortable on the mound, keeping things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out 16 over five innings pitched. Those 16 strikeouts gave Taylor a new career-high. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, five RBI, and two runs.
In other batting news, Layla Songer was incredible, getting on base in all three of her plate appearances with two stolen bases, two runs, and one triple. Another player making a difference was Morgan Thompson, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with four RBI, one run, and one double.
LaBrae's record now sits at 17-7. As for Hubbard, their record is now 12-9.
Saturday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. LaBrae has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .492. However, it's not like Hubbard 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.
LaBrae couldn't quite finish off Hubbard in their previous meeting back in April and fell 3-1. Can the Vikings avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
