The Juab Wasps will challenge the Providence Hall Patriots at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Juab has given up an average of 8.6 runs per game this season, so hopefully the team got some pitching drills in this week.
Juab is headed into Wednesday's game looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fourth straight game on Friday. They came up short against Manti, falling 11-1.
Madi Blankenagel made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went a perfect 1-for-1 with one home run. That home run marked the first that she launched this season.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Providence Hall). They blew past West 28-3 on Wednesday. The Patriots might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won four matches by ten runs or more this season.
Nena Garcia made a big impact no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching two innings while giving up just two earned runs off three hits. Furthermore, she didn't allow a single walk, the first time she has blanked an opponent since back in May of 2024. She was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring a run while getting on base in all five of her plate appearances. What's more, she posted three hits, the most she's had since back in May of 2024.
In other batting news, Ireland Anderson was a standout: she went 3-for-4 with one home run, five RBI, and two doubles. Alysa Marcek was another key player, going a perfect 3-for-3 with six RBI, three runs, and one double.
Providence Hall always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .762. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Providence Hall's victory was their fifth straight on the road dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 4-4. A key ingredient in that success has been their performance when it comes to hits: they averaged an imposing 13.6 hits in those games compared to only 5.6 in the others. As for Juab, their defeat dropped their record down to 2-5.
Wednesday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Juab has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .484. However, it's not like Providence Hall struggles in that department as they've averaged .459. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Juab couldn't quite get it done against Providence Hall in their previous meeting back in May of 2024 as they fell 11-6. Will Juab have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.
