The McClain Tigers are taking a road trip to face off against the Western Brown Broncos at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. McClain has given up an average of 10.7 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
McClain lost 15-3 to Jackson on Wednesday. The Tigers have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Leah Lovett was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-3 with one home run, two RBI, and one double.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Western Brown, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Thursday. They were the clear victors by a 10-0 margin over Fayetteville-Perry on Monday. Considering the Broncos have won ten contests by more than six runs this season, Monday's blowout was nothing new.
Charlee Helton made a splash while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run while striking out 11 over five innings pitched. She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than two walks in nine consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 1-for-2 with two RBI and one double. That's the most RBI she has posted over her last 12 matchups.
In other batting news, Jayci Barnes was incredible, going 3-for-4 with three runs, four RBI, and one double. That's the most RBI she has posted over her last 12 games. Aubree Taylor also deserves some recognition as she hit her first triple of the season.
Western Brown 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 eight hits in ten consecutive contests.
Western Brown is on a roll lately: they've won nine of their last ten matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 14-3 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.7 runs over those games. As for McClain, they now have a losing record of 7-8.
Thursday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. McClain hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .396. However, it's not like Western Brown struggles in that department as they've averaged .370. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.
