Marlington is a perfect 10-0 against Minerva since April of 2022 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Thursday. The Dukes will welcome the Lions at 5:00 p.m. Marlington will be looking to extend their current six-game winning streak.
Marlington proved they can win big on Friday (they won by 15) and on Tuesday they proved they can win the close ones too. They had just enough and edged out West Branch 9-7.
Justine Doringo
| 04/28/26 @ West Branch | 15 |
| 04/23/26 @ Carrollton | 11 |
| 04/21/26 @ Alliance | 6 |
| 04/18/26 @ Hoover | 9 |
| 04/15/26 vs Carrollton | 7 |
| 04/13/26 vs Dover | 9 |
Justine Doringo spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and five unearned) runs on nine hits and racked up 15 Ks. She has been consistent: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in six consecutive appearances.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Chelsea Miller, who went 2-for-3 with one home run, three runs, and one triple. She has been hot recently, having posted at least one home run the last four times she's played. Another player making a difference was Payton Peterson, who went 3-for-4 with four RBI, one stolen base, and one run.
For whatever reason, it's the away team that's had the advantage when Minerva and Salem meet (four straight games heading into this one) and that held true again on Tuesday. The Lions fell just short of the Quakers by a score of 3-1. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest loss the Lions have suffered since March 24, 2025.
Minerva saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Rachel Weaver, who went 1-for-2 with one stolen base and one run.
Marlington's victory bumped their record up to 12-5. As for Minerva, they have been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 6-10 record this season.
Marlington beat Minerva 13-10 in their previous meeting last Wednesday. Will the Dukes repeat their success, or do the Lions have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
