The Warhill Lions will head out on the road to square off against the Smithfield Packers at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Warhill has given up an average of 12.6 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Jamestown hit Warhill with a five-run fifth inning on Wednesday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Lions came up short against the Eagles, falling 12-2. Having soared to a lofty 16 runs in the game before, the Lions couldn't push the score so high this time.
Warhill saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Annabelle Hall, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with one RBI.
Meanwhile, Smithfield made easy work of Bruton on Wednesday and carried off a 12-1 win. Considering the Packers have won six contests by more than nine runs this season, Wednesday's blowout was nothing new.
Kayla Young was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with three runs and one RBI. That's the most runs she has posted since back in March.
In other batting news, Easton Saunders was incredible, going a perfect 4-for-4 with four runs, two stolen bases, and two doubles. Those four runs gave her a new career-high. Grace Dodson was another key player, going 1-for-4 with one home run, two stolen bases, and two runs.
The victory made it two in a row for Smithfield and bumps their season record up to 8-5. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 19.0 runs over those games. As for Warhill, they have been struggling recently as they've lost six of their last seven games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 4-9 record this season.
Friday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Warhill hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .347. However, it's not like Smithfield struggles in that department as they've averaged .397. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Warhill suffered a grim 16-6 defeat to Smithfield when the teams last played back in March. Can the Lions avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
