Columbia River hasn't had much luck against Ridgefield recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Rapids will be playing in front of their home fans against the Spudders at 4:00 p.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Columbia River will roll into the game after a wild two-game stretch: they didn't score any runs on Monday, then bounced right back against Hockinson on Wednesday. The Rapids put the hurt on the Hawks with a sharp 13-1 win. The victory continues a trend for the Rapids in their matchups with the Hawks: they've now won six in a row.
Ruby Lew spent all six innings played on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned run on five hits and racked up 11 Ks.
On the hitting side, Columbia River got a big performance out of Ella Easter, who went 1-for-4 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI. That home run marked the first that Easter has launched this season. Sydney Wilder was another key player, going a perfect 2-for-2 with three runs and one double.
They weren't the only ones making solid contact: Columbia River kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 13 hits. They are a perfect 4-0 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, Ridgefield came tearing into Wednesday's match with three straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 13.3 runs), and they left with even more momentum. Everything went their way against the Panthers as they made off with a 21-2 win.
Madeline Bruguier made a splash no matter where she played. On the mound, she pitched 3.2 innings while giving up just two earned runs off four hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with two RBI and one run. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in March.
In other batting news, Abbey Hite was a standout: she went a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, four runs, and five RBI. Those three hits gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Charlie Harris, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with four runs, three RBI, and one double.
Columbia River's victory bumped their record up to 6-4. As for Ridgefield, their win bumped their record up to 11-2.
Friday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Columbia River hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .341. However, it's not like Ridgefield struggles in that department as they've averaged .455. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Columbia River couldn't quite get it done against Ridgefield in their previous meeting two weeks ago as they fell 7-2. Will the Rapids 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.
