East Hampton hasn't had much luck against North Branford recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Bellringers will face off against the Thunderbirds at 4:00 p.m. East Hampton is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.8 runs per game this season.
Having struggled with six losses in a row, East Hampton turned things around against Windham on Saturday. They put the hurt on the Whippets with a sharp 12-1 win. Considering the Bellringers' hitters had been struggling lately, the high-scoring outing was a much-needed turnaround.
Allison Jacobsen was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She struck out seven batters over five innings while giving up just one earned run off four hits (and only one walk). Jacobsen was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, one run, and one RBI. Those two stolen bases gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Emily Jovel, who went 2-for-3 with three runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. Shea Gaughran was another key player, going 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, two RBI, and one run.
Meanwhile, North Branford faced Norwich Free Academy in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Thursday. The Thunderbirds had just enough and edged out the Wildcats 5-3. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Thunderbirds have posted since April 22, 2024.
Lauren Vitarisi spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and one unearned) runs on six hits and racked up 11 Ks.
On the hitting side, Adriana Hills was incredible, going 2-for-4 with two triples, two runs, and two RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Madi DeStefano, who went 1-for-2 with one stolen base, one double, and one RBI.
East Hampton's record is now 5-10. As for North Branford, their record now sits at 15-1.
Monday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. East Hampton hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .325. However, it's not like North Branford struggles in that department as they've averaged .374. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
East Hampton suffered a grim 11-0 defeat to North Branford when the teams last played on Monday. Can the Bellringers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
