Softball Game Preview: West Middlesex Big Reds vs. Reynolds Raiders

The West Middlesex Big Reds are taking a road trip to face off against the Reynolds Raiders at 4:15 p.m. on Thursday. West Middlesex is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.4 runs per game this season.

West Middlesex's pitching crew heads into the game hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Wednesday. They put the hurt on Farrell with a sharp 19-0 win. Considering the Big Reds have won three contests by more than ten runs this season, Wednesday's blowout was nothing new.

Harper Nickel and Malia Robich made a splash no matter where they played. Throwing, Nickel pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Robich pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Nickel has been consistent : she hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. At the plate, Nickel went 2-for-3 with one home run, three runs, and two RBI, while Robich scored three runs and stole a base while going 1-for-3.

Kaylee Long

Runs Batted In (Career)

04/09/25 @ Farrell	5
05/13/24 vs Reynolds	2
04/20/24 @ Lakeview	2
03/18/25 vs Cochranton	1
05/14/24 vs Farrell	1

In other batting news, West Middlesex got a massive performance out of Kaylee Long, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, five RBI, and two runs. Those five RBI gave Long a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Julia Thornton, who scored four runs and stole a base while going 2-for-3.

West Middlesex hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Farrell struck out eight times.

Meanwhile, Reynolds fell victim to Cochranton and their airtight pitching crew on Friday. They came up short against the Cardinals, falling 10-0. The Raiders just can't catch a break and have now endured three losses in a row.

Reynolds' defeat dropped their record down to 1-3. As for West Middlesex, they now have a winning record of 4-3.

Everything went West Middlesex's way against Reynolds in their previous matchup back in May of 2024, as West Middlesex made off with a 9-1 victory. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Big Reds since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.