Softball Game Preview: Clinton Gaels vs. Maynard Tigers

The Clinton Gaels are taking a road trip to square off against the Maynard Tigers at 3:30 p.m. on Friday.

On Tuesday, Clinton came up short against Littleton and fell 7-4. The Gaels have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Meanwhile, Maynard came tearing into Wednesday's contest with four straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 8.8 runs), and they left with even more momentum. Their pitcher stepped up to hand the Blue Raiders a 21-0 shutout. The Tigers might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won nine matchups by seven runs or more this season.

Jillian Macfarlane was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only two hits over five innings pitched. She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs, one double, and one RBI. That's the most hits she has posted since back in May of 2024.

In other batting news, Ryleigh Raschi was a standout: she got on base in four of her five plate appearances with four runs and two stolen bases. That's the most runs she has posted since back in April. Another player making a difference was Elizabeth Schmidt, who went 1-for-3 with three runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.

Maynard kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 14 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least nine hits in five consecutive games.

Maynard's victory was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 15-3. The home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.3 runs on average over those games. As for Clinton, their defeat dropped their record down to 6-6.

Clinton couldn't quite get it done against Maynard in their previous meeting back in May of 2024 as they fell 4-1. Can the Gaels avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.