Softball Recap: Aspire Langston Hughes Academy Takes a Loss

Aspire Langston Hughes Academy had lost five straight at home dating back to last season, but on Wednesday they dropped their record down to 0-6 to make it six. They came up short against the Millennium Falcons, falling 14-1. Unfortunately, that's the second time they've come up short against the Falcons this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 14-1 back in March.

As for Millennium, the win (which was their third in a row) raised their record to 10-4. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 15.0 runs over those games.

For Millennium's part, Cienna Espinoza was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out ten batters over five innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits (and only one walk). Espinoza has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with three RBI and one stolen base. That's the most hits she has posted since back in March.

In other batting news, Millennium got a massive performance out of Nora Coutts, who went 3-for-4 with three runs, one triple, and one RBI. Coutts is on a roll when it comes to hits, as she's now got three or more in each of the last three games she's played. Gianna Negrete was another key player, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with three runs and one RBI.

Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Aspire Langston Hughes Academy will host River Islands on Friday. The Riptide have struggled to contain batters this season (they've allowed 12.1 runs per game on average), something the Titans will no doubt try to take advantage of. As for Millennium, they will be playing at home against Ben Holt College Prep Academy at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. The Falcons' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Bobcats have averaged an impressive 8.6 runs per game this season.