The Claysburg-Kimmel Bulldogs will square off against the Purchase Line Red Dragons at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. Claysburg-Kimmel is currently enjoying a perfect season and no doubt wants to keep things rolling.
Claysburg-Kimmel is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Monday. They were the clear victors by an 11-2 margin over Homer-Center. Considering the Bulldogs have won 16 matchups by more than six runs this season, Monday's blowout was nothing new.
Launa Musselman spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned runs on seven hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 11 consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, McKenna Black was incredible, going 2-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and four RBI. That's the most runs she has posted since back in April. Another player making a difference was Bella Francona, who went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases and three runs.
Meanwhile, Purchase Line was able to grind out a solid victory over Bishop McCort on Monday, taking the game 7-4. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Red Dragons.
Purchase Line also let their pitcher toss all seven innings and she was also dialed-in: Rylee Mahaffey gave up three earned (and one unearned) runs on 11 hits and racked up nine Ks.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Kaitlyn Houser, who went 2-for-4 with two runs, one double, and one RBI. Brooklynn Walker was another key player, going 2-for-4 with two RBI, one run, and one double.
Claysburg-Kimmel's win was their 26th straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 23-0. As for Purchase Line, their victory bumped their record up to 12-8.
Purchase Line's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Claysburg-Kimmel has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .458. It's a different story for Purchase Line, though, as they've only averaged .364. Will they be able to contain Claysburg-Kimmel's hitters? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
