Softball Recap: Ridgefield Park Extends Winning Streak to Six

Ridgefield Park extended their winning streak to six on Wednesday, bumping their season record up to 11-1 in the process. They blew past the Westwood Cardinals 14-3. Considering the Scarlets have won nine contests by more than six runs this season, Wednesday's blowout was nothing new.

Gabriella Rivera made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out ten batters over five innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off five hits (and only one walk). She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with one home run and two RBI.

In other batting news, Ridgefield Park let Karylle Culala and Ivana Capurso run wild. Culala went a perfect 4-for-4 with four runs, one stolen base, and one double, while Capurso went 3-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and three RBI. Those four runs gave Culala a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Mia Monteleone, who went 1-for-4 with three RBI and one run.

Ridgefield Park was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .444. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .379 or higher in six consecutive matchups.

As for Westwood, they have been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 6-6 record this season. They have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

On Westwood's side, Leah Olives made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went a perfect 1-for-1 with two stolen bases and two runs. The team also got some help courtesy of Mackenzie Alesso, who went 2-for-3 with two RBI, one run, and one double.

Looking ahead, Ridgefield Park will look to defend their home field on Friday against Bayonne at 11:00 a.m. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (the Scarlets 3.2, the Bees 4.1) so any runs scored will be well earned. As for Westwood, they are taking a road trip to square off against Pascack Hills at 4:15 p.m. on Friday.