Softball Recap: Middletown Comes Up Short

Middletown extended their losing streak to six on Tuesday, dropping their season record down to 5-10 in the process. They came up short against the Lower Lake Trojans, falling 7-0. The Mustangs were not able to repeat the success they had when they faced the Trojans earlier this season, when they won 9-1.

As for Lower Lake, their win was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 8-9. The home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 7.7 runs over those games.

For Lower Lake's part, not much got past Mariah Bal, who gave up just a hit and racked up 12 Ks to keep Middletown off the board. Bal has been consistent: she hasn't tossed less than seven strikeouts in seven consecutive appearances.

On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Jamiya Lee-Ayers, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs, two doubles, and one RBI. Those three hits gave her a new career-high. Heidi Ortega was another key player, going 2-for-4 with two runs and two RBI.

Looking ahead, Middletown will face off against Fort Bragg at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. The Mustangs' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Timberwolves have averaged an impressive 7.2 runs per game this season. As for Lower Lake, they will square off against St. Helena at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. The Saints will roll in looking for their 13th straight win, something the Trojans surely won't give up without a fight.