Jefferson is 0-3 against Durant since March of 2017 but things could change on Wednesday. The Dragons will head out on the road to square off against the Cougars at 7:00 p.m. Jefferson is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 9.4 runs per game this season.
Jefferson is headed in fresh off scoring the most runs they have all season. They were the clear victors by an 18-3 margin over King on Monday. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Dragons.
Madisen Fleming made a splash no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out six batters over 2.2 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and not a single walk). She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two stolen bases, three runs, and one double.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Amaya Argilagos, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, three runs, and one stolen base. That's the most runs she has posted since back in March. Isabella Fernandez was another key player, going a perfect 2-for-2 with four RBI and one double.
Jefferson hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team has now struck out at least four batters in five consecutive matchups.
Meanwhile, Durant narrowly escaped with a victory as the team sidled past Alonso 5-4.
Like Jefferson, Durant also got a great game from a two-way player: Leanne Allen. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing four innings while giving up just one earned (and three unearned) runs off three hits. Allen was also big at the plate, going 1-for-4 with one triple, one run, and one RBI.
Allen wasn't the only one making solid contact as five players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Jenna Helfrich, who went 2-for-4 with one run.
Jefferson pushed their record up to 11-7 with the win, which was their third straight at home. Those home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.0 runs on average over those games. As for Durant, their record now sits at 10-8.
Jefferson's speedy runners might be the difference in Wednesday's game. The Dragons have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.1 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Durant, though, as they've been averaging only 1.3 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Jefferson continue to outrun the ball?
Jefferson might still be hurting after the 12-1 defeat they got from Durant in their previous meeting back in March of 2022. Can the Dragons avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
