Lathrop hasn't had much luck against Livingston recently, but that could start to change on Wednesday. The Spartans will be playing in front of their home fans against the Wolves at 4:00 p.m. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.
While Lathrop's win against Johansen wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. The Spartans narrowly escaped with a victory as the team sidled past the Vikings 18-16. The Spartans haven't had any issues with the Vikings recently, as the game was their sixth consecutive win against them.
Lathrop got a massive performance out of Luz DeLuna, who went a perfect 5-for-5 with seven RBI, three runs, and two doubles. That's the most doubles DeLuna has posted since back in March. The team also got some help courtesy of Aubree Martinez, who scored four runs and stole a base while getting on base in five of her six plate appearances.
Lathrop was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .486. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Johansen only posted a batting average of .300.
Meanwhile, Livingston waltzed into their matchup on Monday with two straight wins... but they left with three. They were the clear victors by an 11-1 margin over the Hawks. The Wolves might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won eight games by nine runs or more this season.
Annalee Aguilar made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run over five innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in six consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run while going 2-for-4.
In other batting news, Elizabeth Avila was a standout: she scored two runs while going 2-for-3. Alexis Ross was another key player, scoring three runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-3.
Lathrop's victory bumped their record up to 9-6. As for Livingston, their win bumped their record up to 15-6.
Wednesday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Lathrop has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .512. However, it's not like Livingston struggles in that department as they've averaged .447. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Lathrop suffered a grim 19-6 defeat to Livingston in their previous matchup back in March. Will the Spartans 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.
