Arcola is 0-3 against Marshall since May of 2022 but things could change on Friday. The Purple Riders will look to defend their home field against the Lions at 4:30 p.m. Arcola has given up an average of 8.7 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Arcola came into their game on Wednesday off a hard-fought close win, but unfortunately suffered a serious change of fortune. They lost 13-2 to Argenta-Oreana. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest defeat the Purple Riders have suffered since April 17th.
Meanwhile, Marshall hadn't done well against Flora recently (they were 0-4 in their previous four matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Thursday. The Lions put the hurt on the Wolves with a sharp 18-4 win. The Lions might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won 15 matches by six runs or more this season.
Kyla Gustafson spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned (and one unearned) runs on seven hits and racked up 15 Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Avery Cornwell was incredible, firing off two home runs, five RBI, and three runs while going 4-for-5. Those four hits gave her a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Lauren English, who went 2-for-5 with one home run, three runs, and three RBI.
They weren't the only ones making solid contact: Marshall kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 16 hits. They are 14-2 when they post 11 or more hits.
Marshall pushed their record up to 19-8 with the victory, which was their third straight on the road. The road wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 21.7 runs over those games. As for Arcola, their loss dropped their record down to 10-12.
Arcola suffered a grim 19-0 defeat to Marshall when the teams last played back in May of 2024. Will the Purple Riders have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
