The Melba Mustangs will venture away from home to face off against the Wendell Trojans at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. Melba has given up an average of 12.1 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Melba came into this matchup off a tough 15-run loss on Monday. This time they kept things ultra-competitive, but unfortunately the final result was the same. They fell just short of New Plymouth by a score of 13-11 on Wednesday. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest defeat the Mustangs have suffered against the Pilgrims since May 3, 2022.
Analyse Durham was cooking despite her team's loss, going 1-for-3 with one home run, two runs, and one stolen base. The team also got some help courtesy of Elle Crimbchin, who scored a run while going 3-for-4.
Meanwhile, Wendell hadn't done well against Declo recently (they were 2-7 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Tuesday. The Trojans blew past the Hornets 14-7. Considering the Trojans have won nine games by more than six runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
Breanna Comstock spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered four earned (and three unearned) runs on seven hits and racked up eight Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in ten consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Jace Olmos was incredible, scoring four runs and stealing two bases while going 4-for-4. Those four hits gave her a new career-high. Sophie Mattix was another key player, going 2-for-4 with one home run, five RBI, and three runs.
Wendell kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their hit total in three consecutive matches.
Wendell pushed their record up to 12-5 with the victory, which was their fifth straight at home. The home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 16.2 runs over those games. As for Melba, they have been struggling recently as they've lost four of their last five contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 4-9 record this season.
Thursday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Melba has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .442. However, it's not like Wendell struggles in that department as they've averaged .467. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Melba might still be hurting after the 22-5 loss they got from Wendell in their previous meeting back in March. Can the Mustangs avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
