The North Platte Bulldogs will challenge the Highway 6 Trailblazers at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. North Platte is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.2 runs per game this season.
North Platte's pitching crew heads into the game hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Monday. They put the hurt on Grand Island with a sharp 12-0 victory. The Bulldogs haven't had any issues with the Islanders recently, as the game was their third consecutive win against them.
Aryadnna Reyna was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run while striking out seven over five innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 15 consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with one double. That's the most hits she has posted since back in September.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Danaka Jedrzejczyk, who went a perfect 1-for-1 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. That's the most runs she has posted since back in August. Another player making a difference was Maleighya Harmon, who went 2-for-4 with two RBI, one run, and one double.
North Platte kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 15 hits. They are 9-2 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, after soaring to 14 runs the game before, Highway 6 was a bit more limited in their contest on Tuesday. They fell 5-1 to Centura. The Trailblazers' defeat signaled the end of their three-game winning streak.
Highway 6's loss dropped their record down to 7-10. As for North Platte, their victory bumped their record up to 17-12.
Thursday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. North Platte hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .329. However, it's not like Highway 6 struggles in that department as they've averaged .385. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
North Platte took their win against Highway 6 when the teams last played back in September by a conclusive 12-4 score. Do the Bulldogs have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Trailblazers turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
