Softball Recap: Flora Takes a Loss

Flora had lost five straight at home, but on Thursday they dropped their record down to 12-13 to make it six. They lost 18-4 to the Marshall Lions. The Wolves were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Lions apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in April of 2021.

As for Marshall, their victory bumped their record up to 19-8. They might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won 15 games by six runs or more this season.

For Marshall's part, Kyla Gustafson spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned (and one unearned) runs on seven hits and racked up 15 Ks. Gustafson has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances.

At the plate, the team relied heavily on Avery Cornwell, who fired off two home runs, five RBI, and three runs while going 4-for-5. Those four hits gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Lauren English, who went 2-for-5 with one home run, three runs, and three RBI.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Flora will take on Salem at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. The Wildcats' pitching crew has only allowed three runs per game this season, so the Wolves' hitters will have their work cut out for them. As for Marshall, they will challenge Arcola at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. The Purple Riders have struggled to contain batters this season (they've allowed 8.68 runs per game on average), something the Lions will no doubt try to take advantage of.