For the second straight game, Denbigh will face off against Norview. The Patriots will be playing at home against the Pilots at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Denbigh has given up an average of 13.4 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Norview hit Denbigh with a four-run fifth inning on Wednesday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Patriots fell 11-6 to the Pilots.
For Norview's part, Valerie Miranda made a splash no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching seven innings while giving up three earned (and three unearned) runs off three hits. Miranda was also solid in the batter's box, going 3-for-5 with two runs, one double, and one RBI.
In other batting news, Sophia Gadsby was excellent, going 3-for-4 with two doubles, one run, and one RBI. Those two doubles gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Yoeliz Torres, who got on base in three of her five plate appearances with two runs and two RBI.
Norview kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. That's a new trend for them: they were averaging 4.1 hits per game earlier this season, but in their last 15 games they've averaged 9.6.
Denbigh dropped their record down to 6-14 with the defeat, which was their fifth straight at home. Those home losses can't be blamed on the team's hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 7.8 runs over those games. As for Norview, their victory bumped their record up to 9-12.
Thursday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Denbigh has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .471. However, it's not like Norview struggles in that department as they've averaged .431. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.
