The Bluffton Tigers will head out to challenge the New Haven Bulldogs at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. Bluffton is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.9 runs per game this season.
Bluffton took a ten-run loss the last time they faced off against Heritage, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Tigers sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 6-4 win over the Patriots on Friday. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Tigers have posted against the Patriots since May 11, 2016.
Madyson Sonnigsen
| 05/16/25 @ Heritage | 10 |
| 05/15/25 vs Norwell | 2 |
| 05/10/25 vs Northfield | 8 |
| 05/06/25 vs Adams Central | 8 |
| 05/03/25 vs Daleville | 7 |
| + 7 more games |
Madyson Sonnigsen was a major factor no matter where she played. She struck out ten batters over seven innings while giving up three earned (and one unearned) runs off five hits. That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in April. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two RBI, one run, and one double.
In other batting news, Marly Drayer was excellent, going 1-for-3 with three stolen bases, one run, and one RBI. Those three stolen bases gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Isabella Stout, who went 1-for-2 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI.
Meanwhile, New Haven was not able to break out of their rough patch on Thursday as the team picked up their 11th straight defeat. They came up short against East Noble, falling 19-1. Having soared to a lofty 12 runs in the game before, the Bulldogs couldn't push the score so high this time.
New Haven saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Ava Low, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one RBI.
New Haven's loss dropped their record down to 2-19. As for Bluffton, their win ended a four-game drought on the road and puts them at 9-13.
New Haven's hitters will have their work cut out for them on Saturday. Bluffton has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.6 strikeouts per game. It's a different story for New Haven, though, as they've been averaging only 1.7 strikeouts. Will Bluffton keep running through batters, or will the Bulldogs buck the trend?
Bluffton took their victory against New Haven in their previous meeting back in April of 2024 by a conclusive 14-4 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Tigers since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
