The Forsyth Panthers will square off against the Clever Blue Jays at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Forsyth has given up an average of 8.3 runs per game this season, but Wednesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Forsyth couldn't beat Marionville on Tuesday even though they stacked four runs on them in the fifth inning. The Panthers took a 13-8 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Comets.
Riley Holmberg was a force to be reckoned with on the mound despite the final result: she pitched five innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits.
On the hitting side, Haiden Holle was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-3 with one home run, three runs, and one stolen base. That stolen base was her first of the season. Another player making a difference was Zoe White, who went 2-for-4 with one run and one double.
Meanwhile, Clever never let their opponents score on Tuesday. Everything went their way against Billings as they made off with a 12-0 victory. The result was nothing new for the Blue Jays, who have now won 15 contests by six runs or more so far this season.
Ava Mittag was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out six over five innings pitched. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one walk in four consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with two runs, two RBI, and one double.
In other batting news, Izabel Hudak was excellent, going 2-for-3 with one triple, two RBI, and one run. Katelynn Butts was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.
Clever has been performing well recently as they've won 14 of their last 17 matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 19-6 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.5 runs on average over those games. As for Forsyth, their loss dropped their record down to 11-16.
Wednesday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Forsyth hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .336. However, it's not like Clever struggles in that department as they've averaged .396. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Forsyth couldn't quite finish off Clever when the teams last played back in April and fell 5-3. Will the Panthers 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.
