Dukes
| 05/14/25 vs East Canton | 10 |
| 05/12/25 vs Firelands | 0 |
| 05/10/25 vs Keystone | 8 |
| 05/07/25 @ Oberlin | 15 |
| 04/29/25 @ Columbia | 1 |
| + 13 more games |
Wellington and Black River are an even 5-5 against one another since April of 2017, but likely not for long. The Dukes are taking a road trip to challenge the Pirates at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Wellington is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.2 runs per game this season.
Wellington was handed a 14-run loss in their previous outing, but that didn't affect their clutch gene on Wednesday. They had just enough and edged out East Canton 10-9. The high-scoring effort was just what the Dukes needed considering they were shut out in their previous matchup.
Mallory Pickering was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she struck out 14 batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned (and seven unearned) runs off five hits. Pickering was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Caedyn Wacker, who went 1-for-3 with two runs, one double, and one RBI. Another player making a difference was Courtney Krosse, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with one run and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Black River waltzed into their game on Wednesday with three straight wins... but they left with four. They came within a single run of losing the streak, but they secured an 8-7 W against the Redbirds. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Pirates have posted since April 16th.
Like Wellington, Black River also got a great game from a two-way player: Abbey Kiser. She tossed seven innings while giving up just two earned (and five unearned) runs off nine hits. Kiser was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with one double and one RBI.
In other batting news, Remi Dieter was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. Olivia Bailey was another key player, going 2-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI.
Wellington is on a roll lately: they've won three of their last four contests. That's provided a massive bump to their 9-9 record this season. The wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 8.3 runs over those games. As for Black River, their record now sits at 14-7.
Thursday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Wellington has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .466. However, it's not like Black River struggles in that department as they've averaged .471. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Wellington might still be hurting after the 10-4 defeat they got from Black River when the teams last played back in April. Can the Dukes avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
