United is 0-5 against Portage since April of 2021 but things could change on Thursday. The Lions will venture away from home to square off against the Mustangs at 4:30 p.m. United has given up an average of 16.2 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
United is headed into Thursday's matchup looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their 20th straight game dating back to last season on Wednesday. They came up short against Ferndale, falling 18-3.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Portage). They blew past United 14-1 on Tuesday. The Mustangs not only won on Tuesday, but they posted their biggest win since May 6, 2024 (when they won 17-2).
Payton Noll and Kendall Stancovich made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, Noll tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Stancovich tossed three innings while giving up just one earned run off one hit. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances. At the plate, Noll went 1-for-3 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI, while Stancovich got on base in all four of her plate appearances with three runs, one stolen base, and one double. That's the most runs Stancovich has posted since back in May of 2024.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Adasyn Trusik, who went 1-for-3 with two stolen bases and two runs. That's the most stolen bases she has posted since back in March. Mikaila McCoy was another key player, going 2-for-4 with three RBI.
Portage's win ended an eight-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 3-13. As for United, their loss dropped their record down to 0-15.
United suffered a grim 14-1 defeat to Portage in their previous matchup on Tuesday. Can the Lions avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps