Willamette hasn't had much luck against South Medford recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Wolverines will square off against the Panthers at 4:30 p.m. Willamette will aim to continue their three-game streak of scoring more runs each game than the last.
Willamette had to skate by with only a one-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the 15-run drubbing they dealt North Salem on Friday. The Wolverines were the clear victors by a 16-1 margin over the Vikings. The Wolverines might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won eight matches by eight runs or more this season.
Jadynn Ireland was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out nine batters over four innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits (and not a single walk). Ireland was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with three RBI, two runs, and one stolen base. That's the most runs she has posted since back in April.
In other batting news, Cabbi Eads was incredible, going 3-for-4 with three runs, four RBI, and one double. That's the most runs she has posted since back in March. Kimmie Smith also deserves some recognition as she launched her first home run of the season.
Meanwhile, South Medford had already won five in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 7.2 runs) and they went ahead and made it six on Saturday. They came within a single run of losing the streak, but they secured a 5-4 W against the Cavemen. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Panthers have posted against the Cavemen since April 26, 2022.
Jordan Knutson spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and three unearned) runs on six hits and racked up 12 Ks. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in four consecutive appearances.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Dannika Ostvik, who went 3-for-4 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI. Hanna Turpin was another key player, getting on base in all three of her plate appearances with one run.
South Medford's victory was their fifth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 15-7. The road wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.0 runs on average over those games. As for Willamette, their record now sits at 10-12.
Tuesday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Willamette has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .435. However, it's not like South Medford struggles in that department as they've averaged .447. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Willamette suffered a grim 10-4 defeat to South Medford when the teams last played on Monday. Can the Wolverines avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
