The Portsmouth Patriots will face off against the West Warwick Wizards at 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday. Portsmouth has given up an average of 6.8 runs per game this season, but Tuesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Portsmouth is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Rhode Island's top teams: North Kingstown, who was ranked 12th at the time (Portsmouth was ranked 22nd). The Patriots took an 11-7 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Skippers on Friday. The Patriots have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Mia Ruggieri put in work no matter where she played. On the mound, she tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Ruggieri was also big at the plate, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with two RBI, one run, and one double.
In other batting news, Barbara Rainey made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went 2-for-4 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for West Warwick, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Friday. Their pitcher stepped up to hand Woonsocket a 19-0 shutout on Monday. The result was nothing new for the Wizards, who have now won five games by six runs or more so far this season.
Like Portsmouth, West Warwick also got a great game from a two-way player: Bryce Principe. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit (and only one walk). Principe has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in three consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in all three of her plate appearances with two RBI and one run. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in April of 2024.
In other batting news, Adrianna Carsetti was incredible, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with one home run, three runs, and four RBI. Madison Walsh was another key player, going a perfect 2-for-2 with three runs and two RBI.
West Warwick hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post two or more strikeouts.
Portsmouth's loss dropped their record down to 5-5. As for West Warwick, they now have a winning record of 5-4.
Tuesday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Portsmouth hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .425. However, it's not like West Warwick struggles in that department as they've averaged .320. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Portsmouth beat West Warwick 8-5 in their previous matchup back in May of 2024. Do the Patriots have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Wizards turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
