Fair Haven hasn't had much luck against Hartford recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Slaters will welcome the Hurricanes at 4:30 p.m. Fair Haven has given up an average of 9.1 runs per game this season, but Tuesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Fair Haven is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Vermont's top teams: Otter Valley, who was ranked sixth at the time (Fair Haven was ranked 23rd). The Slaters lost 11-4 to the Otters on Thursday.
Riley Babbie was a force to be reckoned with on the mound despite the final result: she tossed five innings while giving up three earned (and three unearned) runs off six hits.
On the hitting side, Brianna Gebo made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went 2-for-3 with one triple, one run, and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Hartford didn't have quite enough to beat Otter Valley on Tuesday and fell 7-6.
Serenitee Martel was huge no matter where she played even without the win. She struck out 14 batters over six innings while giving up six earned (and one unearned) runs off six hits. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't tossed less than ten strikeouts in nine consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, one run, and one RBI.
In other batting news, Faith Brown was cooking despite her team's loss, going a perfect 4-for-4 with two stolen bases, three runs, and one double. She has been hot recently, having posted two or more stolen bases the last three times she's played. Madelin Crowley was another key player, getting on base in all three of her plate appearances with four stolen bases and two runs.
Hartford's loss was their first in the district, dropping their district record down to 4-1 and their overall record down to 7-3. As for Fair Haven, their defeat dropped their record down to 2-9.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Fair Haven has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.3 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Hartford struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 12.4 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Fair Haven might still be hurting after the 9-3 loss they got from Hartford when the teams last played back in April. Will the Slaters have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.
