The Rodriguez Mustangs will head out to challenge the Pioneer Patriots at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Rodriguez's pitching crew has only allowed 3.9 runs per game this season, so Pioneer's hitters will have their work cut out for them.
Rodriguez is coming in off a wild two-game stretch: after soaring to 11 runs two weeks ago, they were much more limited against Vanden two weeks ago. They came up short against the Vikings, falling 9-1.
Rodriguez saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Alanna Williams, who went 1-for-3 with one double and one RBI.
Woodland Christian typically has all the answers at home, but on Tuesday Pioneer proved too difficult a challenge. They put the hurt on the Cardinals with a sharp 7-1 victory. The result was nothing new for the Patriots, who have now won seven matches by six runs or more so far this season.
Jia Beebe made a splash no matter where she played. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run over 6.2 innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-5 with two RBI.
In other batting news, Pioneer let Marisa Bryson and Gracie McGinty run wild. Bryson went 2-for-4 with one home run and two runs, while McGinty scored two runs and stole a base while getting on base in four of her five plate appearances. McGinty also put up a triple, which was her first of the season. Another player making a difference was Sofia Hernandez, who scored a run while going 2-for-4.
The win made it two in a row for Pioneer and bumps their season record up to 13-4. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 13.5 runs over those games. As for Rodriguez, they have been struggling recently as they've lost five of their last six games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 6-6 record this season.
Wednesday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Rodriguez hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .327. However, it's not like Pioneer struggles in that department as they've averaged .369. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Rodriguez suffered a grim 10-0 defeat to Pioneer when the teams last played back in March. Can the Mustangs avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
