The Ponce De Leon Pirates will head out on the road to challenge the Vernon Yellowjackets at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. Ponce De Leon is strutting in with some hitting muscle, as they've averaged 10.4 runs per game this season.
After soaring to a 24-point victory in their last game, Ponce De Leon came back down to earth on Tuesday. They fell just short of Paxton by a score of 10-8. It was the first time this season that Ponce De Leon let down their fans at home.
Kiyann Alford was huge no matter where she played even without the win. She tossed seven innings while giving up just two earned (and eight unearned) runs off six hits (she also didn't allow any walks). Alford has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't pitched less than six innings in three consecutive pitching appearances. Alford was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with two RBI.
In other batting news, Klaire Spooner and Aubrey Murphy stepped up to the plate in a big way. Spooner scored two runs while going 2-for-4, while Murphy scored two runs while going 2-for-3.
Meanwhile, Vernon can now show off eight landslide victories after their most recent matchup on Tuesday. They blew past Bay 13-5. The win was just what Vernon needed coming off of an 11-5 defeat in their prior game.
Like Ponce De Leon, Vernon also got a great game from a two-way player: Juliana Brizzolara. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over six innings while giving up three earned (and one unearned) runs off five hits. Brizzolara was also big at the plate, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-3.
In other batting news, Ava Roche and Jonei Gordon did most of the damage at the plate: Roche scored three runs and stole two bases while going 3-for-5, while Gordon scored three runs and stole a base while going 1-for-3. Kaylen Houck was another key contributor, scoring a run while going 3-for-5.
Ponce De Leon's loss ended a three-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 8-4. As for Vernon, their victory bumped their record up to 9-5.
Thursday's match will be a test for both team's pitchers. Ponce De Leon hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .328. However, it's not like Vernon struggles in that department as they've averaged .350. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Ponce De Leon skirted past Vernon 6-5 in their previous meeting back in March. The rematch might be a little tougher for Ponce De Leon since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
