Westland is 0-3 against Dublin Scioto since May of 2015 but things could change on Wednesday. The Cougars will venture away from home to take on the Irish at 5:15 p.m. Westland has given up an average of 15.7 runs per game this season, but Wednesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Having struggled with 13 losses in a row, Westland turned things around against Whitehall-Yearling on Tuesday. They had just enough and edged out the Rams 14-13.
Westland let Abby Cochran and Sophie Harris run wild. Cochran went 3-for-4 with four runs, one stolen base, and one double, while Harris went 3-for-5 with three RBI, two runs, and one stolen base. Those three RBI gave Harris a new career-high. Allie Cochran also deserves some recognition as she brought in her first RBI of the season.
Westland kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Whitehall-Yearling only managed six hits.
Meanwhile, Dublin Scioto waltzed into their game on Monday with three straight wins... but they left with four. They were the clear victors by a 14-1 margin over the Wolves. The Irish might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won ten matches by ten runs or more this season.
Avery Reynolds was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She struck out 13 batters over six innings while giving up just one earned run off four hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in eight consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-5 with three RBI and two runs.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Lyla Magnussen, who went 3-for-5 with three runs, three RBI, and one double. Gina Wasko was another key player, going 2-for-5 with two runs and one RBI.
Dublin Scioto's win was their seventh straight at home, which pushed their record up to 12-2. Those home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 13.4 runs over those games. As for Westland, their record now sits at 4-14.
Wednesday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Westland has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .452. However, it's not like Dublin Scioto struggles in that department as they've averaged .518. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Westland suffered a grim 22-0 defeat to Dublin Scioto in their previous meeting on April 7th. Can the Cougars avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
