Softball Recap: Manchester Triumphs

After low-scoring totals in their previous three contest, Manchester brought some dynamite into their most recent game. Their pitchers stepped up to hand the Varina Blue Devils a 13-0 shutout on Tuesday. The Lancers might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won three matches by 13 runs or more this season.

Brianna Cryderman and Cam Winiarski made a big impact no matter where they played. On the mound, Cryderman tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Meanwhile, Winiarski struck out six batters over two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit (and not a single walk). She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in nine consecutive appearances. At bat, Cryderman went 2-for-3 with three runs and one RBI, while Winiarski went a perfect 3-for-3 with four RBI, two runs, and one double.

In other batting news, Manchester let Sarah Connell and Emma Newsom run wild. Connell went 1-for-2 with three stolen bases and two runs, while Newsom got on base in all three of her plate appearances with three runs and one double. Those stolen bases marked the first that Connell has snagged this season. Another player making a difference was Jayden New, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one stolen base and one double.

Manchester was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .500. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.

Manchester's victory bumped their record up to 6-4. As for Varina, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost three of their last four games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 4-5 record this season.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Manchester will square off against Deep Run at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (the Lancers 3, the Wildcats 3.4) so any runs scored will be well earned. As for Varina, they will challenge Highland Springs at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. The Blue Devils are facing the Springers at the right time seeing as the Springers are stuck on a three-game losing streak.