The Princeton Tigers will face off against the Newman Central Catholic Comets at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Princeton is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.9 runs per game this season.
The home team had come away the winner the last four times Princeton and Erie-Prophetstown had met, but sadly for the fans who attended this one that wasn't the case. The Tigers fell just short of the Panthers by a score of 10-9 on Monday. Tigers fans who chose to attend the game sure picked the wrong one: it was the first time the team's lost against the Panthers since on Monday.
Caroline Keutzer led a balanced group of hitters, going 3-for-4 with three runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. Keely Lawson was another key player, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs and one RBI.
Hall hit Newman Central Catholic with a four-run sixth inning on Monday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Comets took a 10-5 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Red Devils. Comets fans who chose to attend the game sure picked the wrong one: it was the first time the team's lost against the Red Devils since on Monday.
Gianna Vance spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered five earned (and five unearned) runs on nine hits and racked up ten Ks. Those ten strikeouts set a new season-high mark for her.
At the plate, Lucy Oetting made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and got on base in three of her four plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and one double. The team also got some help courtesy of Brenleigh Cook, who got on base in two of her three plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base.
Newman Central Catholic has traveled a rocky road recently, having lost four of their last five games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 4-9 record this season. As for Princeton, their loss dropped their record down to 4-6.
Newman Central Catholic's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Princeton has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .434. It's a different story for Newman Central Catholic, though, as they've only averaged .356. Will they be able to contain Princeton's hitters?
Everything went Princeton's way against Newman Central Catholic in their previous meeting two weeks ago, as Princeton made off with a 15-5 win. Will the Tigers repeat their success, or do the Comets have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
