Lancaster hasn't had much luck against Quartz Hill recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Eagles will be playing at home against the Royals at 3:15 p.m. Lancaster is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.7 runs per game this season.
It was a Battle of the Birds when Lancaster duked it out with Knight on Tuesday. The Eagles fell just short of the Hawks by a score of 11-10.
Elsy Herrera and Jordyn Zinn did some serious damage despite the final result: Herrera went 3-for-5 with three RBI, two runs, and one triple, while Zinn went 2-for-4 with two runs, one triple, and two RBI. That triple was Herrera's first of the season. Another player making a difference was Nayomi Ordonez, who scored three runs while going 2-for-4.
Meanwhile, Quartz Hill had already won seven in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 10.7 runs) and they went ahead and made it eight on Tuesday. They walked away with an 8-3 win over the Lions.
Dakota Ponder spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and two unearned) runs on six hits and racked up eight Ks. She has been consistent : she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in eight consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Nina Sepulveda was incredible, going 1-for-3 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in February. The team also got some help courtesy of Emily Cowan, who scored three runs while going 2-for-3.
Quartz Hill was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .379. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .304 or higher in nine consecutive matches.
Quartz Hill's victory was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 9-4. The home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.3 runs over those games. As for Lancaster, their defeat dropped their record down to 6-3.
Thursday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Lancaster has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .486. However, it's not like Quartz Hill struggles in that department as they've averaged .463. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Lancaster couldn't quite finish off Quartz Hill in their previous matchup back in March and fell 2-0. Will the Eagles have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
