Softball Recap: Xavier Hawks vs. Ripon Tigers
It may have taken eight innings to finish the job, but Xavier ultimately got the result they hoped for on Saturday. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 9-8 win over the Ripon Tigers. The victory was some much needed relief for Xavier as it spelled an end to their three-game losing streak.
For Ripon's part, Addisyn Johnson put in work no matter where she played. She struck out nine batters over eight innings while giving up five earned (and four unearned) runs off 11 hits. Johnson has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't pitched less than six innings every time she's pitched this season. Johnson was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 1-for-4.
In other batting news, Hayden Baker and Bryn Carlson did some serious damage despite the final result: Baker scored a run and stole two bases while going 2-for-3, while Carlson scored a run and stole a base while going 1-for-4. Baker is crushing it when it comes to stolen bases: she's stolen at least one every time she's taken the field this season. Gabi Gaffney was another key contributor, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 2-for-5.
Xavier pushed their record up to 3-5 with that win, which was their third straight on the road. As for Ripon, they have been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four matches, which put a noticeable dent in their 3-7 record this season.
Xavier will head out on the road to challenge Seymour at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Seymour will roll in looking for their fourth straight victory, something Xavier surely won't give up without a fight. As for Ripon, they will be playing in front of their home fans against Kettle Moraine Lutheran at 4:45 p.m. on Tuesday.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
