Softball Game Preview: Hopkinton Hillers vs. Dedham Marauders

The Hopkinton Hillers are taking a road trip to take on the Dedham Marauders at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. Hopkinton is coming into the match hot, having won their last eight games.

Hopkinton had to skate by with only a two-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the 12-run drubbing they dealt Medfield on Friday. The Hillers were the clear victors by a 12-0 margin over the Warriors. Considering the Hillers have won 12 contests by more than five runs this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.

Meanwhile, Dedham didn't have quite enough to beat Milton on Friday and fell 5-4.

Liana Florio made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went 2-for-3 with two runs and one triple. That triple was her first of the season. Nicole Andrews was another key player, going 1-for-2 with one triple and one RBI.

Hopkinton pushed their record up to 15-3 with the victory, which was their fourth straight at home. The home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.5 runs over those games. As for Dedham, they have been struggling recently as they've lost seven of their last eight games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 7-10-1 record this season.

Everything went Hopkinton's way against Dedham in their previous matchup back in April, as Hopkinton made off with a 13-1 victory. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Hillers since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.