Softball Preview: Andrean Fighting 59ers vs. Highland Trojans
Andrean has enjoyed the comforts of home their last three games, but now they'll head out on the road. They will square off against the Highland Trojans at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Andrean's pitching crew has only allowed 3.6 runs per game this season, so Highland's hitters will have their work cut out for them.
On Monday, Andrean was able to grind out a solid win over Lowell, taking the game 6-2.
Abbey Bond made a splash no matter where she played. She struck out eight batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned runs off five hits (and only one walk). Bond has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in nine consecutive pitching appearances. Bond was also big at the plate, going 3-for-3 with two RBI and a double.
In other batting news, Micah Snider was incredible, scoring a run and stealing three bases while going 2-for-3. Another player making a difference was Gracie Wardingley, who scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-3.
Meanwhile, Highland waltzed into their contest on Monday with three straight wins... but they left with four. They were the clear victor by a 20-0 margin over the Governors. Highland might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team's won three matchups by 18 runs or more this season.
Like Andrean, Highland also got a great game from a two-way player: Samantha Zurlis. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit (she also only allowed one walk). Zurlis was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run and stealing a base.
In other batting news, Evie Rivera and Casey DiSanto did most of the damage at the plate: Rivera scored two runs and stole three bases while going 1-for-1, while DiSanto scored two runs while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances. Erica Phillips was another key contributor, scoring two runs and stealing a base.
Andrean pushed their record up to 11-1 with that victory, which was their ninth straight at home dating back to last season. Those good results were due in large part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 6.8 runs per game. As for Highland, their record now sits at 5-2.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Tuesday as neither team is afraid to steal. Andrean has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.3 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Highland struggles in that department as they've been averaging 4.9. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Andrean beat Highland 4-1 in their previous meeting back in May of 2023. One of the biggest obstacles trying to stand in the way of that victory was Highland's Mia Rivera, who tossed seven innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off one hit. Now that she won't be playing on Tuesday, will it be that much easier for Andrean to walk away with another win? There's only one way to find out.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
