Softball Recap: Richland County Takes a Loss

Richland County extended their losing streak to four on Wednesday, dropping their season record down to 7-7 in the process. They took an 8-5 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Mattoon Greenwave. The home team had taken home the W every time these teams have met since May 2, 2018, but that streak is no more.

Kennedy Knox and Kaitlyn Dowty did some serious damage despite the final result: Knox went 1-for-4 with three RBI and one double, while Dowty went 1-for-2 with one home run. Another player making a difference was Taylor Bloomer, who went 2-for-4 with two doubles.

As for Mattoon, they are on a roll lately: they've won four of their last five games. That's provided a massive bump to their 8-14 record this season. The wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 7.8 runs over those games.

On Mattoon's side, Hanna Griffin spent all eight innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned (and two unearned) runs on 12 hits and racked up six Ks. Griffin has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in nine consecutive appearances.

On the hitting side, Mattoon let Mj Cowger and Kenna Karnes run wild. Cowger went 1-for-2 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI, while Karnes got on base in three of her five plate appearances with two RBI and one run. That's the most RBI Karnes has posted since back in March. Kynlee McGraw was another key player, going 2-for-4 with two runs, one double, and one RBI.

Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Richland County will host North Knox at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. As for Mattoon, they will be playing in front of their home fans against Arthur-Okaw Christian at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. The Greenwave's pitchers better be ready for this one: the Conquering Riders have averaged an impressive 7 runs per game this season.