The Lincoln Lynx will head out to challenge the Eastside Catholic Crusaders at 7:00 p.m. on Monday. Lincoln has given up an average of 10.1 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Garfield hit Lincoln with a four-run first inning on Thursday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Lynx lost 12-4 to the Bulldogs. The Lynx have struggled against the Bulldogs recently, as the game was their fifth consecutive lost meeting.
Dakota Blokker was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-3 with one home run, three RBI, and one double. Anaya Goldberg also deserves some recognition as she hit her first double of the season.
Meanwhile, Eastside Catholic hadn't done well against Holy Names Academy recently (they were 1-8 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way last Monday. The Crusaders blew past Holy Names Academy 12-4. The Crusaders might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won five games by eight runs or more this season.
Elysse Williams was a major factor no matter where she played. She pitched seven innings while giving up three earned (and one unearned) runs off five hits. Williams was also solid in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with two runs and two RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Maicey Woolston, who went 2-for-4 with one home run, three RBI, and one stolen base. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in March. Hadlie Delucchi was another key player, going 1-for-3 with two runs and one double.
Eastside Catholic was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .438. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .310 or higher in three consecutive matchups.
Lincoln's defeat dropped their record down to 4-8. As for Eastside Catholic, their victory ended a four-game drought at home and bumped them up to 6-10.
Monday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Lincoln has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .458. However, it's not like Eastside Catholic struggles in that department as they've averaged .446. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Lincoln took their win against Eastside Catholic in their previous meeting back in March by a conclusive 14-4 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Lynx since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
