J.P. McCaskey is 0-10 against Hempfield since May of 2018 but things could change on Monday. The Red Tornado will look to defend their home field against the Black Knights at 4:15 p.m. J.P. McCaskey is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.4 runs per game this season.
J.P. McCaskey gave up the first runs on Saturday, but they didn't let that get them down. They put the hurt on Muhlenberg with a sharp 19-7 win. The Red Tornado might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won seven matches by ten runs or more this season.
Lleana Martinez was a major factor no matter where she played. She struck out 13 batters over seven innings while giving up six earned (and one unearned) runs off nine hits. Martinez was even better at the plate, going 4-for-5 with two stolen bases, four RBI, and two runs. The dominant performance also gave her a new career-high in doubles (two).
In other batting news, Alayah Gartman was a standout: she got on base in four of her six plate appearances with three stolen bases, four runs, and two RBI. With that strong performance, she is now averaging an impressive 2.1 runs per game. Sanya Mumma was another key player, getting on base in all six of her plate appearances with two stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI.
J.P. McCaskey hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team has now struck out at least three batters in five consecutive games.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Hempfield, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Tuesday. They had just enough and edged out Warwick 2-1. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Black Knights have posted since April 27, 2024.
Kali Peifer spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered a run (which was unearned) on three hits and racked up 11 Ks.
Hempfield's win was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 9-8. The home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.7 runs on average over those games. As for J.P. McCaskey, their win ended an eight-game drought on the road and puts them at 8-12.
J.P. McCaskey might still be hurting after the 10-1 loss they got from Hempfield in their previous matchup back in April. Will the Red Tornado have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.
