Franklin hasn't had much luck against Eastwood recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Franklin Cougars will venture away from home to face off against the Eastwood Troopers at 6:30 p.m. Franklin has given up an average of 10.2 runs per game this season, so hopefully the team got some pitching drills in this week.
Franklin came up short against Montwood on Wednesday, falling 25-7.
Layla Heredia made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went 1-for-3 with one home run and three RBI. That home run marked the first that she launched this season. Vanessa Pena was another key player, going 1-for-3 with one home run.
Meanwhile, Eastwood fought the good fight in their extra-innings contest against Eastlake on Wednesday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell just short of the Falcons by a score of 5-4. The Troopers' loss signaled the end of their 12-game winning streak.
Ariana Hernandez spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered four earned (and one unearned) runs on seven hits and racked up six Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in six consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Vivian Garcia was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-4 with one home run, two RBI, and one double. She has been hot recently, having posted at least one home run the last three times she's played. Another player making a difference was Amanda Rodriguez, who scored a run while going 2-for-4.
Franklin's defeat dropped their record down to 7-12-1. As for Eastwood, the loss was their first on the road , dropping their record down to 21-2-1.
Friday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Franklin hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .388. However, it's not like Eastwood struggles in that department as they've averaged .397. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Franklin came up short against Eastwood in their previous meeting back in February, falling 11-8. Can Franklin avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
