The Westland Cougars are taking a road trip to square off against the Hayes Pacers at 5:15 p.m. on Wednesday. Westland has given up an average of 15.3 runs per game this season, but Wednesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Westland took a 13-run defeat the last time they faced off against Westerville South, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Cougars came out on top in a nail-biter against the Wildcats on Monday, sneaking past 15-14. The high-scoring effort was just what the Cougars needed considering they were shut out in their previous match.
Sophie Harris was incredible, getting on base in three of her five plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and three RBI. That's the most runs she has posted since back in March. Another player making a difference was Abby Cochran, who got on base in all five of her plate appearances with four runs and two doubles.
Westland always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .525. They are 3-1 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Meanwhile, Hayes came tearing into Monday's contest with 14 straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 8.5 runs), and they left with even more momentum. They never let the Irish get on the board and left with a 4-0 win.
Dublin Scioto's batters probably weren't too happy with Bronwynn Leighty, who pitched a no hitter and racked up 15 Ks (she gave up a single walk). Leighty has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in six consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Zee Brown, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one double and one RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Laurel Day, who went 1-for-4 with one home run.
Hayes' victory was their eighth straight on the road dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 17-1. The road wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.4 runs on average over those games. As for Westland, their victory ended a 15-game drought at home dating back to last season and bumped them up to 5-16.
Westland might still be hurting after the 15-0 loss they got from Hayes in their previous matchup two weeks ago. Can the Cougars avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
