Softball Preview: Strasburg Indians vs. University Bulldogs
Strasburg is 1-9 against University since September of 2019 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Saturday. The Strasburg Indians are on the road again to play the University Bulldogs at 10:00 a.m. Strasburg is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 11.1 runs per game this season.
Strasburg is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Friday. They narrowly escaped with a win as the team sidled past The Academy 8-7.
Rachel Rupple was incredible, going 2-for-4 with a home run, two runs, and two RBI. What's more, she also racked up two hits, the most she's had since back in September. Another player making a difference was Addi Kent, who scored two runs and stole two bases while going 2-for-3.
Strasburg always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .545. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a OBP of .531 or higher in four consecutive games.
Meanwhile, University entered their tilt with Rocky Ford on Friday with six consecutive wins but they'll enter their next game with seven. They blew past the Meloneers 16-2. The result was nothing new for the Bulldogs, who have now won 18 matchups by seven runs or more so far this season.
Jasi Cole was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and only two hits while striking out seven over four innings pitched. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than seven strikeouts in three consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-3.
In other batting news, University got a massive performance out of Ellie Baca, who went 4-for-4 with four RBI and two runs. Another player making a difference was Rylie Tennent, who went 1-for-2 with a home run and three RBI.
Strasburg has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won 16 of their last 17 contests, which provided a nice bump to their 22-5 record this season. As for University, their record is now 20-7.
Saturday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Strasburg has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of 0. However, it's not like University 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.
Strasburg suffered a grim 15-3 defeat to University in their previous meeting on October 10th. Can Strasburg 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
