The Northgate Broncos will square off against the Vintage Crushers at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Northgate is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.7 runs per game this season.
If Northgate beats Vintage with seven runs on Friday, it's going to be the team's new lucky number: they've won their past two matchups with that exact score. The Broncos blew past Benicia 7-1 on Thursday. The victory was nothing new for the Broncos as they're now sitting on three straight.
Ashley Herman
| 05/14/26 @ Benicia | 9 |
| 05/12/26 vs Clayton Valley Charter | 9 |
| 05/07/26 vs Acalanes | 10 |
| 05/05/26 @ College Park | 7 |
Ashley Herman made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she struck out nine batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned run off five hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than seven strikeouts in four consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with two runs and one RBI.
In other batting news, Sophie Hanko was incredible, going 2-for-3 with three stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI. That's the most stolen bases she has posted since back in March. Taelyn Jriyasetapong was another key player, going 1-for-3 with two stolen bases and two runs.
Meanwhile, with a playoff win on the line, Vintage rose to the challenge on Tuesday. They had just enough and edged out the Yellowjackets 9-7. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Crushers have posted since April 10th.
The team relied heavily on Desiree Griffith, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run and two runs. That home run was her first of the season. The team also got some help courtesy of Samantha Kennedy, who went 2-for-3 with two RBI and one run.
Northgate's victory bumped their record up to 12-10. As for Vintage, their win bumped their record up to 15-11.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Northgate has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.5 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Vintage struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8.4 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
