Forks hasn't had much luck against Hoquiam recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Spartans will challenge the Grizzlies at 4:00 p.m. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.
Forks came out on top against Ilwaco on Tuesday thanks in part to the team's impressive nine-run fifth inning. The Spartans blew past the Fishermen 17-1. The result was nothing new for the Spartans, who have now won nine games by seven runs or more so far this season.
Bailey Johnson and Chloe Gaydeski were major factors no matter where they played. On the mound, Johnson tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Gaydeski tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 12 consecutive appearances. At bat, Johnson went 3-for-4 with four runs, one triple, and one stolen base, while Gaydeski went a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. That's the most runs Johnson has posted since back in March.
In other batting news, Pearl Salazar was incredible, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and one triple. Those two stolen bases gave her a new career-high. Avery Dilley was another key player, going 2-for-3 with three runs and one RBI.
Forks kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 15 hits. That's the most hits they've managed all season.
Meanwhile, Hoquiam got the win against Tenino on Thursday by a conclusive 12-1. The matchup marked the Grizzlies' most dominant victory of the season.
The win made it two in a row for Forks and bumps their season record up to 9-9. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 13.0 runs over those games. As for Hoquiam, their win ended a seven-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 4-13-2.
Forks couldn't quite get it done against Hoquiam in their previous meeting back in March as they fell 4-1. Can the Spartans avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
