Softball Game Preview: Elyria Pioneers vs. Magnificat Blue Streaks

Elyria is on a four-game streak of home losses, and Magnificat a three-game streak of away losses. However, someone's due for a change in luck on Thursday. The Elyria Pioneers will be playing at home against the Magnificat Blue Streaks at 4:45 p.m. Elyria has given up an average of 9.6 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Elyria fell victim to Berea-Midpark and their airtight pitching crew on Wednesday. They lost 14-0 to the Titans.

Meanwhile, Magnificat hadn't done well against St. Joseph Academy recently (they were 1-8 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Wednesday. The Blue Streaks were the clear victors by a 15-2 margin over the Jaguars.

Marylynn Kennedy made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She struck out six batters over five innings while giving up just two earned runs off three hits. That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in April of 2024. She was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with four RBI, two runs, and one triple.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Vanessa Roth, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with three RBI, two runs, and one triple. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in April of 2024. Addison Bednar was another key player, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and one double.

Magnificat always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .676. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.

Magnificat's win bumped their record up to 5-8. As for Elyria, their defeat dropped their record down to 5-15.

Everything went Elyria's way against Magnificat when the teams last played back in May of 2023, as Elyria made off with an 18-1 victory. Will the Pioneers repeat their success, or do the Blue Streaks have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.