Softball Recap: Long Branch's Win Ends Ten-Game Losing Streak at Home

Long Branch won the last time they faced Lakewood and things went their way on Thursday too. The Green Wave were the clear victors by a 24-14 margin over the Piners.

Cindy Astacio-Gomez made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She struck out nine batters over six innings while giving up just two earned (and 12 unearned) runs off seven hits. Those nine strikeouts gave her a new career-high. She was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in five of her six plate appearances with two runs and two RBI.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Jaidyn Turner, who got on base in all six of her plate appearances with one home run, four runs, and three RBI. Those four runs gave her a new career-high. Ayana Gonzalez was another key player, getting on base in five of her six plate appearances with three stolen bases, five runs, and one RBI.

Long Branch's win ended a ten-game drought at home dating back to last season and bumped them up to 2-11. As for Lakewood, they are on a 15-game losing streak (dating back to last season) that has dropped them down to 0-14.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Long Branch will head out to square off against Red Bank Regional at 3:45 p.m. on Friday. As for Lakewood, they will square off against Trinity Hall at 4:00 p.m. on Friday.