Metro Tech is 0-5 against North since February of 2020 but things could change on Friday. The Knights will look to defend their home field against the Mustangs at 4:00 p.m. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.
Metro Tech took a loss when they played away from home on Tuesday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Thursday. They narrowly escaped with a victory as the team sidled past Alhambra 20-18. The win was a breath of fresh air for the Knights as it put an end to their three-game losing streak.
Mariah Price was incredible, scoring five runs and stealing three bases while going 5-for-5. Another player making a difference was Brianna Aispuro Avilez, who scored three runs and stole two bases while going 4-for-5.
Metro Tech always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .568. They are 3-1 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Meanwhile, North had already won two in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 7 runs) and they went ahead and made it three on Thursday. They walked away with a 16-11 victory over the Trojans.
Solis Coker was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 11 batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned (and nine unearned) runs off 11 hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent : she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in eight consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 3-for-5 with two RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Natalie Figueroa, who went a perfect 5-for-5 with two stolen bases, three runs, and four RBI. Those five hits gave her a new career-high. Ariana Velasquez was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing three bases while going 3-for-4.
North's win bumped their record up to 7-9. As for Metro Tech, their victory bumped their record up to 3-6.
Friday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Metro Tech has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .575. However, it's not like North struggles in that department as they've averaged .502. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Metro Tech suffered a grim 15-0 defeat to North in their previous meeting back in March. Will the Knights have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.
