The Miami Trace Panthers will head out to face off against the Washington Blue Lions at 5:00 p.m. on Monday. Miami Trace has given up an average of 7.9 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Miami Trace took a six-run defeat the last time they faced off against Cedarville, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Panthers narrowly escaped with a victory as the squad sidled past the Indians 14-13. The Panthers' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
The team relied heavily on Gracie Cordell, who fired off two home runs, three runs, and three RBI while getting on base in all five of her plate appearances. Ellie Hoppes also deserves some recognition as she hit her first doubles of the season.
Miami Trace kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 18 hits. That's the most hits they've managed all season.
Meanwhile, Washington came up short against Wilmington on Thursday and fell 9-4.
Washington saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Trinity Hixon, who went 2-for-4 with one run, one double, and one RBI. Another was Hailey Lemaster, who went 2-for-3 with one double and one RBI.
Miami Trace's win ended a five-game drought on the road and puts them at 6-9. As for Washington, their loss was their 16th straight on the road dating back to last season, which dropped their record down to 1-13.
Washington's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Miami Trace hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .357. It's a different story for Washington, though, as they've only averaged .208. Will they be able to contain Miami Trace's hitters?
Miami Trace took their victory against Washington in their previous matchup back in April of 2024 by a conclusive 11-1 score. Will the Panthers repeat their success, or do the Blue Lions have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
