The Ashland Clockers will square off against the Fitchburg Red Raiders at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Ashland has given up an average of 11.1 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Ashland is coming in off a wild two-game stretch: after soaring to 15 runs on Friday, they were much more limited against Medway on Wednesday. They lost 16-2 to the Mustangs. The Clockers haven't had much luck with the Mustangs recently, as the team has come up short the last six times they've met.
Neko Ustaris was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-3 with one home run.
Meanwhile, Fitchburg had to endure a six-game losing streak, but that streak is no more. They were the clear victors by a 17-5 margin over North Middlesex Regional on Wednesday. The Red Raiders' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Lilly Peterson and Ina Soini were major factors no matter where they played. On the mound, Peterson tossed three innings while giving up just one earned (and three unearned) runs off four hits. Meanwhile, Soini tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in three consecutive appearances. At bat, Peterson went 2-for-4 with two runs, two doubles, and one stolen base, while Soini went 3-for-4 with three runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
In other batting news, Juliet Valentin was incredible, going 3-for-4 with three runs, one triple, and one stolen base. That triple was her first of the season. Alana Beauchemin was another key player, going 3-for-4 with two RBI, one run, and one double.
Fitchburg was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .576. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Ashland's defeat dropped their record down to 3-6. As for Fitchburg, their victory bumped their record up to 3-7.
Ashland suffered a grim 17-2 defeat to Fitchburg in their previous matchup back in April of 2023. Will the Clockers have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.
