Softball Preview: Johnson Creek Bluejays vs. Fall River Pirates
Johnson Creek is 10-0 against Fall River since April of 2015, and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Monday. The Johnson Creek Bluejays will be staying on the road to face off against the Fall River Pirates at 5:00 p.m. Both teams come into the game bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Last Thursday, it was close, but Johnson Creek sidestepped Palmyra-Eagle for an 8-7 victory. That's two games straight that Johnson Creek has won by just one run.
Hailee Walk spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned (and four unearned) runs on ten hits.
On the hitting side, Johnson Creek let Taylor Buglass and Jenna Fincutter loose on the outfield. Buglass went 2-for-4 with a home run, two runs, and a stolen base, while Fincutter went 2-for-3 with a home run, three runs, and a double.
Meanwhile, Fall River had to endure a seven-game losing streak dating back to last season, but that streak is no more. They put the hurt on Parkview with a sharp 14-7 win on Saturday. Fall River's hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Hannah Bartz was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she struck out seven batters over seven innings while giving up three earned (and four unearned) runs off seven hits. Bartz was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with a triple, two RBI, and a run.
In other batting news, Fall River got a massive performance out of Olivia Fietz, who got on base in all five of her plate appearances with four RBI, a run, and a double. Another player making a difference was Avery Schlachter, who scored four runs and stole a base while going 4-for-6.
Johnson Creek's victory was their fifth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 10-2. As for Fall River, their win ended an eight-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 1-6.
Johnson Creek took their victory against Fall River in their previous meeting last Thursday by a conclusive 7-0. The rematch might be a little tougher for Johnson Creek since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
