Wakeland is on a three-game streak of home wins, while Melissa is on a 15-game streak of away wins (dating back to last season): one of those streaks is about to end. The Wolverines will welcome the Cardinals at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Wakeland is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Friday. They blew past Lebanon Trail 9-3. The win continues a trend for the Wolverines in their matchups with the Trail Blazers: they've now won four in a row.
Jordan Mcnees spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and one unearned) runs on seven hits and racked up ten Ks.
At the plate, Wakeland let Lauren McIllwain and Reese Thomas run wild. McIllwain went 2-for-5 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs, while Thomas went 3-for-4 with one home run, one stolen base, and two RBI. That's the most hits Thomas has posted since back in March of 2024. Kaylee Kinney was another key player, going 2-for-5 with two runs, one double, and one RBI.
They weren't the only ones making solid contact: Wakeland kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 14 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least nine hits in seven consecutive contests.
Meanwhile, it was a proper cat-fight when Melissa challenged Texas on Friday. The Cardinals were the clear victors by a 12-1 margin over the Tigers.
Eloisa Maes looked comfortable as she struck out six batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and not a single walk). She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Melissa got a massive performance out of Kennedy Bradley, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with one home run, four runs, and one triple. The team also got some help courtesy of Amariee Bradford, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs.
Wakeland's victory bumped their record up to 21-5. As for Melissa, their win bumped their record up to 31-0.
Friday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Wakeland has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .497. However, it's not like Melissa struggles in that department as they've averaged .576. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Wakeland couldn't quite get it done against Melissa in their previous meeting back in May of 2024 as they fell 5-0. Will the Wolverines 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.
