The Fraser Ramblers will square off against the Utica Chieftains at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. The two teams are strolling into their matchups after big wins in their previous games.
Fraser had to skate by with only a two-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the 11-run drubbing they dealt Sterling Heights Stevenson on Tuesday. The Ramblers were the clear victors by a 14-3 margin over the Titans. The Ramblers might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won five games by eight runs or more this season.
Peyton Mckernan
| 04/22/25 @ Sterling Heights Stevenson | 4 |
| 04/11/25 vs Athens | 2 |
| 04/08/25 @ Lakeview | 2 |
| 04/04/25 @ Grosse Pointe South | 1 |
| 03/19/25 @ Seaholm | 1 |
Peyton Mckernan was a standout: she went 3-for-4 with one home run, four RBI, and two doubles. Those four RBI gave her a new career-high. Irelyn Bednarchik was another key player, going 3-for-4 with three runs, three RBI, and one double.
They weren't the only ones making solid contact: Fraser kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 15 hits. They are a perfect 8-0 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, after only one run in their last contest, Utica made sure to put some runs up on the board against L'Anse Creuse North on Tuesday. The Chieftains blew past the Crusaders 12-2. The Chieftains haven't had any issues with the Crusaders recently, as the game was their sixth consecutive win against them.
Violet Smith made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She struck out ten batters over six innings while giving up just two earned runs off three hits. She has been consistent: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in seven consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going a perfect 5-for-5 with three runs, three RBI, and one stolen base.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Ava Mazza, who went 2-for-4 with one home run and one double. That double was her first of the season. Another player making a difference was Kylie Condon, who went 2-for-5 with three RBI, two runs, and one double.
Fraser's victory bumped their record up to 9-2. As for Utica, the win got them back to even at 4-4.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Fraser has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.9 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Utica struggles in that department as they've been averaging 9.4 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Fraser suffered a grim 9-3 defeat to Utica in their previous meeting back in May of 2024. Can the Ramblers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
