Softball Game Recap: Utica Chieftains vs. Romeo Bulldogs

Utica had lost three straight on the road, but on Saturday they dropped their record down to 6-7 to make it four. They might be feeling deja-vu: they lost 10-2 to the Romeo Bulldogs, which was the same score (and result) they got the week prior. Unfortunately, that's the second time they've come up short against the Bulldogs this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 10-2 on Saturday.

As for Romeo, they are on a roll lately: they've won six of their last eight games. That's provided a nice bump to their 11-6 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 4.0 runs on average over those games.

For Romeo's part, Katie Murphy spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned runs on three hits and racked up six Ks. Murphy has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in three consecutive appearances.

On the hitting side, Bailey Anton and Jess McLeod did most of the damage at the plate: Anton went 1-for-3 with two stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI, while McLeod went 3-for-5 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double. That's the most RBI Anton has posted since back in April. The team also got some help courtesy of Ava Yaklin, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Utica will face off against Utica Eisenhower at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. The Chieftains are facing the Eagles at the right time seeing as the Eagles are stuck on a three-game losing streak. As for Romeo, they will challenge Chippewa Valley at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday.