The Beachwood Bison will face off against the Laurel Gators at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Beachwood hasn't scored more than two runs for three games straight, a trend the squad is eager to reverse.
For whatever reason, it's the away team that's had the advantage when Beachwood and Chagrin Falls meet (five straight games heading into this one) and that held true again on Thursday. The Bison came up short against the Tigers, falling 9-2. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest defeat the Bison have suffered against the Tigers since May 10, 2022.
Lily Grover made the most of her time in the batter's box despite the final result and went 1-for-2 with two stolen bases and one run.
Meanwhile, Laurel gave up the first runs on Tuesday, but they didn't let that get them down. Everything went their way against Aquinas as they made off with a 17-6 win. The result was nothing new for the Gators, who have now won four games by 11 runs or more so far this season.
Brooke Barragate made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over five innings while giving up just two earned (and four unearned) runs off eight hits. Barragate was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with one run and one RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Kemy Cistone, who went 3-for-5 with six RBI, three doubles, and two runs. Those six RBI gave her a new career-high. Caitlyn Vigh was another key player, going 2-for-4 with three runs, three RBI, and two doubles.
Laurel always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .541. They are a perfect 5-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Laurel has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won six of their last seven contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 8-4 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 15.4 runs over those games. As for Beachwood, their loss dropped their record down to 3-8.
Friday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Beachwood has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .467. However, it's not like Laurel struggles in that department as they've averaged .482. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Beachwood suffered a grim 23-13 defeat to Laurel in their previous meeting back in April of 2025. Will the Bison 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.
