Crab Orchard hasn't had much luck against Johnston City recently, but that could start to change on Saturday. The Trojans will be playing in front of their home fans against the Indians at 11:00 a.m. Crab Orchard is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.4 runs per game this season.
Marion hit Crab Orchard with a four-run sixth inning on Wednesday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Trojans fell 5-2 to the Wildcats.
Adri Ortega spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered four earned (and one unearned) runs on six hits and racked up six Ks. She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 17 consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Addlyn Miller and Jada Burnett-Hatton stepped up to the plate in a big way. Miller went 2-for-3 with two runs, while Burnett-Hatton went a perfect 3-for-3 with one double and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Johnston City entered their tilt with Harrisburg last Wednesday with five consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with six. They skirted past the Bulldogs 7-5. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Indians have posted against the Bulldogs since May 1, 2019.
Johnston City also let their pitcher toss all seven innings and she was also dialed-in: Peyton Johnson gave up five earned runs on 11 hits.
On the hitting side, Peyton Smith and Makenzie Mowery did most of the damage at the plate: Smith went 2-for-3 with three runs and one stolen base, while Mowery went 2-for-4 with two runs, two doubles, and two RBI. Adrianna Wilkening was another key player, going 3-for-4 with one double and one RBI.
Johnston City kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 14 hits. They are 7-1 when they post 11 or more hits.
Johnston City's win was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 14-9. The home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.5 runs over those games. As for Crab Orchard, their loss dropped their record down to 27-4.
Crab Orchard suffered a grim 13-7 defeat to Johnston City when the teams last played back in May of 2024. Will the Trojans have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.
