Molalla is 1-9 against Estacada since April of 2023 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Wednesday. The Indians will host the Rangers at 4:30 p.m. Molalla is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.3 runs per game this season.
Molalla fell victim to The Dalles and their airtight pitching crew on Monday. They lost 10-0 to the Riverhawks. The contest marked the first time this year in which the Indians were not able to get on the board.
Meanwhile, Estacada never let their opponents score on Monday. They blew past Madras 21-0. Considering the Rangers have won 11 games by more than five runs this season, Monday's blowout was nothing new.
Laney Briones made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit (and only one walk). Briones was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with three runs, four RBI, and two doubles. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in April.
In other batting news, Estacada got a massive performance out of Mckenzie Trujeque, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with five RBI, three runs, and one double. Those four hits gave Trujeque a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Harlee Vader, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with four RBI, two runs, and one double.
Estacada always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .714. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
The win made it two in a row for Estacada and bumps their season record up to 15-6. Those victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered a grand total of 2 run in those games. As for Molalla, their defeat dropped their record down to 12-11.
Wednesday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Molalla hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .326. However, it's not like Estacada struggles in that department as they've averaged .339. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Molalla might still be hurting after the 10-4 loss they got from Estacada in their previous matchup back in April. Can the Indians avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
