Watertown has won eight straight games at home (dating back to last season), while Middleton has won eight straight on the road also dating back to last season, but those streaks won't matter much on Monday. The Goslings will host the Cardinals at 5:00 p.m. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (Watertown 2.6, Middleton 2.2) so any runs scored will be well earned.
Watertown's pitching crew heads into the matchup hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Friday. They walked away with a 3-0 win over Beaver Dam. The Goslings haven't had any issues with the Golden Beavers recently, as the game was their third consecutive victory against them.
Not much got past Cali Craig, who gave up just three hits and racked up six Ks to keep Beaver Dam off the board. Craig has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks any time she's pitched this season.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Elle Stangler, who went a perfect 1-for-1 with one home run.
Watertown hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their strikeout total in three consecutive contests.
Meanwhile, Middleton beat Cedarburg 6-2 on Saturday.
Cece Smith looked comfortable as she pitched four innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off five hits.
On the hitting side, Hailey Stroede was incredible, going 2-for-4 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. That home run was her first of the season. Another player making a difference was Macey Blazek, who went 2-for-4 with two runs and two doubles.
Middleton's win bumped their record up to 11-1. As for Watertown, their victory bumped their record up to 7-1.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Monday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Watertown has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.2 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Middleton struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8.5 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
