Jay County is on an eight-game streak of home wins (dating back to last season), while Norwell is on a four-game streak of away wins (also dating back to last season): one of those streaks is about to end. The Patriots will host the Knights at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Keep an eye on the score for this one: the two teams posted some lofty run totals in their previous games.
Last Tuesday, Jay County was able to grind out a solid victory over Eastbrook, taking the game 11-6. The Patriots haven't had any issues with the Panthers recently, as the game was their fifth consecutive win against them.
Mallory Winner
| 04/15/25 vs Eastbrook | 4 |
| 04/14/25 vs St. Henry | 3 |
| 05/06/24 @ New Castle | 3 |
| 04/09/24 @ Eastbrook | 3 |
| 04/03/25 @ Marion | 2 |
Mallory Winner was a major factor no matter where she played. She struck out six batters over seven innings while giving up three earned (and three unearned) runs off ten hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in four consecutive appearances. She was even better at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, four RBI, and one double. Those four RBI gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, Morgan Missicano was excellent, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 3-for-4. Another player making a difference was Hallie Schwieterman, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 1-for-3.
Jay County kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 13 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits every time they've taken the field this season.
Meanwhile, Norwell got themselves on the board against Southern Wells on Monday, but Southern Wells never followed suit. They blew past the Raiders 13-0.
Kayla Watkins looked comfortable as she kept things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out nine over four innings pitched.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Reese Frauhiger, who scored three runs while going 2-for-3. Hayden Herman was another key player, going 2-for-3 with four RBI and one double.
Jay County's victory bumped their record up to 6-0. As for Norwell, their win bumped their record up to 3-0.
Friday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Jay County has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .512. However, it's not like Norwell struggles in that department as they've averaged .450. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Jay County came out on top in a nail-biter against Norwell in their previous matchup back in April of 2023, sneaking past 3-1. Do the Patriots have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Knights turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
