Old Forge is on a nine-game streak of home wins (dating back to last season), while Mid Valley is on a nine-game streak of away wins (also dating back to last season): one of those streaks is about to end. The Blue Devils will welcome the Spartans at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
If Old Forge beats Mid Valley with 16 runs on Friday, it's going to be the team's new lucky number: they've won their past two games with that exact score. The Blue Devils were the clear victors by a 16-9 margin over Riverside on Tuesday.
Kamryn Notari spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered four earned (and five unearned) runs on 12 hits.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Joselyn DeStefano, who went 2-for-4 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. Another player making a difference was Ava Arnold, who got on base in three of her five plate appearances with three runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
Old Forge hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. The team has now struck out at least two batters in three consecutive contests.
Meanwhile, while Mid Valley put up plenty of runs on Tuesday, the same can't be said for Honesdale. The Spartans put the hurt on the Hornets with a sharp 19-0 win. The Spartans' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Ava Hazelton made a splash no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only one hit while striking out seven over four innings pitched. She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts any time she's pitched this season. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with three RBI, one run, and one double. Those three hits gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, Angela Laskowski was incredible, getting on base in four of her five plate appearances with one home run, six RBI, and two runs. Those six RBI gave her a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Parker Bennett, who went 3-for-4 with three RBI, two doubles, and one run.
Old Forge's victory bumped their record up to 7-3. As for Mid Valley, their win bumped their record up to 12-1.
Both the two teams just can't seem to miss. Old Forge has been making plenty of contact this season, having averaged 9.7 hits per game. However, it's not like Mid Valley struggles in that department as they've been averaging only 4.5 hits. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Old Forge came up short against Mid Valley when the teams last played on April 2nd, falling 9-5. Will the Blue Devils have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.
