Softball Game Preview: Clinton Gaels vs. Hampshire Regional Raiders

The Clinton Gaels will take on the Hampshire Regional Raiders on Wednesday. Both come into the match bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

Clinton is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Monday. They walked away with a 9-6 win over Bellingham. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Gaels.

Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Hampshire Regional). Their pitcher stepped up to hand Upper Cape Cod RVT a 21-0 shutout on Monday. The victory was familiar territory for the Raiders, who have now won eight games in a row.

Ryanne Dubay1 made a big impact no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only one hit while striking out 11 over five innings pitched. She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts any time she's pitched this season. She was also solid in the batter's box, going a perfect 2-for-2 with four RBI. Those four RBI gave her a new career-high.

In other batting news, Caelyn Thayor was incredible, going 4-for-5 with three runs, four RBI, and one double. That's the most hits she has posted since back in April. The team also got some help courtesy of Kalin Dubay4, who went 2-for-5 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI.

Hampshire Regional was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .562. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Upper Cape Cod RVT only posted a batting average of .067.

Clinton's record is now 10-8. As for Hampshire Regional, their record now sits at 21-1.

Clinton might still be hurting after the 15-3 loss they got from Hampshire Regional in their previous meeting back in June of 2024. Can the Gaels avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.