The Utica Redskins will venture away from home to take on the Licking Heights Hornets at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Both come into the match bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Utica barely beat Northridge the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. The Redskins were the clear victors by a 15-5 margin over the Vikings on Tuesday. The victory continues a trend for the Redskins in their matchups with the Vikings: they've now won three in a row.
Cheyene Smith made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over five innings while giving up four earned (and one unearned) runs off seven hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, firing off two home runs, five RBI, and one stolen base while going 2-for-3.
In other batting news, Utica got a massive performance out of Makena Wilson, who scored three runs and stole three bases while going 4-for-4. Wilson also hit two doubles, marking her first of the season. Baleigh Torrens was another key player, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run, two runs, and one stolen base.
Utica always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .676. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, it may have taken eight innings to finish the job, but Licking Heights ultimately got the result they hoped for on Monday. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 7-6 win over Watkins Memorial. The victory was familiar territory for the Hornets, who have now won four contests in a row.
Natalie Mahoney spent all eight innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned (and three unearned) runs on 12 hits and racked up six Ks.
On the hitting side, Lily Meidl was incredible, firing off two home runs and five RBI while going 2-for-5. Those five RBI gave her a new career-high.
Utica's win was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 4-5. Those home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.3 runs over those games. As for Licking Heights, their record now sits at 7-5.
Utica's speedy runners might be the difference in Wednesday's game. The Redskins have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.4 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Licking Heights, though, as they've been averaging only 0.3 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Utica continue to outrun the ball?
Utica suffered a grim 17-4 defeat to Licking Heights in their previous matchup back in March of 2024. Can the Redskins avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
