The Hudson Explorers will be defending their home field for the first time this season when they go up against the Firestone Falcons at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. Firestone took a loss in their last matchup and will be looking to turn the tables on Hudson, who comes in off a win.
Hudson will bounce into Thursday's game after beating Wadsworth, who they had gone 0-7 against in their seven prior meetings. The Explorers were the clear victors by an 18-2 margin over the Grizzlies on Friday. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Explorers.
Claire Eland
| 03/27/26 @ Wadsworth | 1 |
| 03/26/26 @ Nordonia | 2 |
| 03/25/26 @ Streetsboro | 1 |
Claire Eland made a splash no matter where she played. On the mound, she tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks any time she's pitched this season. She was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two RBI and one double. That's the most hits she has posted since back in April of 2025.
In other pitching news, Lanie Borovicka looked comfortable as she pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks any time she's pitched this season.
Back at the plate, Shawna Baylor was a standout: she went 3-for-4 with three RBI, two runs, and one triple. Another player making a difference was Megan McNeill, who went 1-for-2 with three runs, two RBI, and one double.
Hudson always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .553. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Wadsworth only posted an OBP of .111.
Meanwhile, Firestone fell victim to Cloverleaf and their airtight pitching crew on Monday. They lost 13-0 to the Colts. Having soared to a lofty 16 runs in the game before, the Falcons' shutout was a dramatic turnaround.
Hudson now has a winning record of 2-1. As for Firestone, their loss was their first of the season and also makes their record 2-1.
Thursday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Hudson has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .486. However, it's not like Firestone struggles in that department as they've averaged .560. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Everything went Hudson's way against Firestone in their previous matchup back in May of 2025, as Hudson made off with a 12-0 victory. Do the Explorers have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Falcons turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
