Tamaqua is 0-10 against Pine Grove since May of 2019 but things could change on Tuesday. The Blue Raiders will be playing in front of their home fans against the Cardinals at 4:00 p.m. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (Tamaqua 2.8, Pine Grove 1.4) so any runs scored will be well earned.
Tamaqua had been on a four-game streak of scoring at least ten runs, but Pottsville put an end to it on Thursday. The Blue Raiders took a 3-0 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Crimson Tide.
Tamaqua got a good showing from Naomi Knitter, who tossed 2.1 innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Knitter has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in ten consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Tamaqua saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Ceanna Gormley, who went 1-for-3 with one stolen base.
Meanwhile, Pine Grove waltzed into their match on Saturday with six straight wins... but they left with seven. They skirted past the Bulldogs 4-2. The four-run effort marked the Cardinals' lowest-scoring game of the season, but in the end it didn't matter.
Chelcy Clark made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She struck out seven batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned runs off three hits (and only one walk). Clark was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with two RBI and one double. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in April of 2024.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Callee Leffler, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with two stolen bases and one run.
Pine Grove hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team has now struck out at least four batters in ten consecutive contests.
Tamaqua's defeat dropped their record down to 7-4-1. As for Pine Grove, their win bumped their record up to 12-1.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Tamaqua has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.8 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Pine Grove struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 10.5 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Tamaqua suffered a grim 7-0 defeat to Pine Grove in their previous meeting back in March. Will the Blue Raiders 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.
