Tallmadge is on a three-game streak of home wins, while Manchester is on a six-game streak of away wins (dating back to last season): one of those streaks is about to end. The Blue Devils will host the Panthers at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Tallmadge had to skate by with only a two-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the 16-run drubbing they dealt Barberton on Monday. The Blue Devils put the hurt on the Magics with a sharp 18-2 win. The victory continues a trend for the Blue Devils in their matchups with the Magics: they've now won seven in a row.
Katie Huth was a standout: she went 2-for-3 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. That home run was her first of the season. The team also got some help courtesy of Leila Staszak, who scored three runs and stole a base while going 2-for-3.
Huth wasn't the only one making solid contact: Tallmadge kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. The Blue Devils are a perfect 3-0 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Manchester). Everything went their way against Orrville on Monday as they made off with a 21-1 win. The team's explosion at the plate also rewarded the Panthers with their most commanding win of the season.
Rachel Baker and Cassidy Perry made a big impact no matter where they played. On the mound, Baker tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Perry pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Baker has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in ten consecutive appearances. At bat, Baker scored a run while going 2-for-3, while Perry scored three runs and stole a base while getting on base in all five of her plate appearances. What's more, Baker posted two doubles, the most she's had over her last 11 games.
In other batting news, Manchester let Alli Hodgkinson and Lilly Konen run wild. Hodgkinson got on base in all four of her plate appearances with four RBI, two runs, and one triple, while Konen scored four runs and stole a base while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances. What's more, Konen posted two hits, the most she's had since back in May of 2024. Another player making a difference was Cayleigh Bowe, who scored two runs while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances.
Manchester's victory bumped their record up to 9-2. As for Tallmadge, the win got them back to even at 5-5.
Tuesday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Tallmadge hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .340. However, it's not like Manchester struggles in that department as they've averaged .359. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.
