The Middletown Blue Raiders will take on the Trinity Shamrocks at 4:15 p.m. on Monday. Both come into the game bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Middletown was handed a eight-run loss in their previous outing, but that didn't affect their clutch gene on Thursday. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 7-5 win over East Pennsboro. The Blue Raiders haven't had any issues with the Panthers recently, as the game was their third consecutive victory against them.
Kenadee Hileman spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered five earned runs on 11 hits and racked up eight Ks.
At the plate, Ja'Liyah Stover was a standout: she went a perfect 3-for-3 with one triple, one stolen base, and two RBI. That triple was her first of the season. Another player making a difference was Hayden Herneisey, who went 3-for-4 with two RBI, one run, and one double.
They weren't the only ones making solid contact: Middletown kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 15 hits. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as East Pennsboro only managed ten hits.
Meanwhile, Trinity entered their tilt with Harrisburg on Thursday with seven consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with eight. They never let the Cougars get on the board and left with a 19-0 win. Considering the Shamrocks have won nine matches by more than five runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.
Brianna Topper looked comfortable as she struck out six batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and not a single walk). That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in April of 2024.
On the hitting side, Zea Sullivan was incredible, going 2-for-3 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. The team also got some help courtesy of Ana Ness, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs, two doubles, and two RBI.
Trinity's victory was their fourth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 10-2. The road wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.3 runs on average over those games. As for Middletown, their record now sits at 8-3.
Monday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Middletown has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .442. However, it's not like Trinity struggles in that department as they've averaged .501. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Middletown couldn't quite get it done against Trinity in their previous meeting back in April of 2024 as they fell 10-5. Can the Blue Raiders avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
