Softball Preview: Hoggard Vikings vs. Ashley Screaming Eagle
Hoggard is on a three-game streak of home losses, Ashley a 12-game streak of away losses (dating back to last season), but someone's luck is about to change. The Hoggard Vikings will take on the Ashley Screaming Eagle at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Hoggard is strutting in with some hitting muscle, as they've averaged 8.6 runs per game this season.
Hoggard stacked a seventh blowout win onto their ever-increasing hoard on Tuesday. They put the hurt on West Brunswick with a sharp 11-1 win.
Macey Ciamillo made a splash no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out nine batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned run off five hits (and not a single walk). Ciamillo has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't pitched less than five innings in three consecutive pitching appearances. Ciamillo was also big at the plate, scoring two runs and stealing a base while getting on base in three of her five plate appearances.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Gracie Mabrey, who got on base in all five of her plate appearances with two triples, two runs, and two RBI. Another player making a difference was Isabelle Roberts, who went 1-for-4 with a triple, two RBI, and a run.
Meanwhile, Ashley fell victim to a rough 10-4 defeat at the hands of East Columbus on Thursday.
Vayda Lequire was cooking despite her team's loss, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-4. Olivia Albertson was another key contributor, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with an RBI.
Hoggard has been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four contests, which provided a nice bump to their 9-4 record this season. As for Ashley, their loss dropped their record down to 1-16.
Ashley's pitching crew has a tough task ahead of them: Hoggard has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .438. It's a different story for Ashley, though, as they've only averaged .325. Will they be able to contain Hoggard's hitters?
Hoggard took their victory against Ashley in their previous matchup back in March by a conclusive 13-1. One of the biggest obstacles the team faced in that game was Ashley's Emerson Lee, who didn't allow a single earned run while striking out six over six innings pitched. Now that she's got a second chance to win this matchup, will Hoggard still be able to contain Lee? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
