Softball Preview: Manchester Blue Devils vs. Hardaway Hawks
The Manchester Blue Devils will head out on the road to face off against the Hardaway Hawks at 4:00 p.m. on Monday. Manchester is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.3 runs per game this season.
Manchester took a loss when they played away from home on Saturday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Monday. They blew past Hardaway 16-3. The win was some much needed relief for the Blue Devils as it spelled an end to their four-game losing streak.
Caylin Johnson made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she struck out six batters over 2.2 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive pitching appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 1-for-1 with a triple, two RBI, and a run. That triple marked the first that she's hit this season.
In other batting news, Marlee McInvale was incredible, scoring four runs and stealing four bases while going 3-for-3. Javaria Carter also deserves some recognition as she hit her first double of the season.
Perhaps unsurprisingly given the score, Manchester always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .600. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved they're OBP total in four consecutive contests.
Manchester's record now sits at 2-5. As for Hardaway, they now have a winning record of 2-1.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Monday as neither team is afraid to steal. Manchester has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.3 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Hardaway struggles in that department as they've been averaging 11.3. The only question left is which team can snag more. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
