Middletown is 2-8 against Clear Lake since April of 2019 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Tuesday. The Mustangs will take on the Cardinals at 4:00 p.m. Both come into the match bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Having struggled with eight losses in a row, Middletown turned things around against Upper Lake on Friday. They came out on top in a nail-biter against the Cougars, sneaking past 6-4. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Mustangs have posted since March 26th.
Meanwhile, after only two runs in their last game, Clear Lake made sure to put some runs up on the board against Lower Lake on Friday. The Cardinals were the clear victors by a 17-7 margin over the Trojans. With that win, the Cardinals brought their scoring average up to 6.2 runs per game.
Atiana Patino was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she tossed six innings while giving up just two earned (and five unearned) runs off six hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and four RBI. That home run marked the first that she has launched this season.
In other batting news, Karsyn Greer was incredible, getting on base in all five of her plate appearances with three runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. Ashlyn Cruz was another key player, getting on base in four of her six plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
Clear Lake always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .565. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Lower Lake only posted an OBP of .276.
Middletown's record now sits at 6-12. As for Clear Lake, their victory ended a three-game drought on the road and puts them at 8-8.
Middletown might still be hurting after the 20-5 defeat they got from Clear Lake in their previous meeting back in April. Can the Mustangs avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
