Vernon is 2-8 against Ponce De Leon since April of 2021 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Thursday. The Jackets will be playing in front of their home fans against the Pirates at 5:00 p.m. Vernon has given up an average of 8.4 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Vernon fought the good fight in their extra-innings contest against Bethlehem on Monday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They took a 12-9 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Wildcats. Surprisingly, this marked the fifth straight game in which the away team has come away the victor in this series.
Juliana Brizzolara was cooking despite her team's loss, firing off two home runs, three runs, and three RBI while going 3-for-4. MacKenzie Register was another key player, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with one home run.
Chipley hit Ponce De Leon with a five-run fifth inning on Tuesday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Pirates fell 8-3 to the Tigers. The Pirates have struggled against the Tigers recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive lost matchup.
Ponce De Leon saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Aubrey Murphy, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with one RBI. Another was Amaya Brunson, who went 1-for-3 with one run, one double, and one RBI.
Ponce De Leon's defeat was their first in the district, dropping their district record down to 2-1 and their overall record down to 8-4. As for Vernon, their loss dropped their record down to 7-7.
Vernon's speedy runners might be the difference in Thursday's matchup. The Jackets have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 6 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Ponce De Leon, though, as they've been averaging only 1.1 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Vernon continue to outrun the ball?
Vernon couldn't quite get it done against Ponce De Leon in their previous matchup back in March as they fell 7-2. Will the Jackets have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
