West Branch dropped to 6-7 on Thursday, ending the team's three-game streak of wins on the road. They fell just short of the Minerva Lions by a score of 3-2. The Warriors were not able to repeat the success they had when they faced the Lions earlier this season, when they won 13-7.
Ellie Tucker put in work while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out eight batters over six innings while giving up three earned runs off four hits (and only one walk). Tucker was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, one double, and one RBI.
Tucker wasn't the only one making solid contact as five players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Zoey Carreon, who went 1-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one double.
As for Minerva, their win bumped their record up to 6-9. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory they have posted against West Branch since May 10, 2022.
On Minerva's side, Kylie Hannen spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned runs on seven hits.
At the plate, Adrianna Kashdan was excellent, going 2-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double. That's the most runs she has posted since back in March of 2025. Maddie Crawford was another key player, going 1-for-2 with one stolen base and two RBI.
Looking ahead, West Branch will welcome Lakeview at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. The Warriors' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Bulldogs have averaged an impressive 9.8 runs per game this season. As for Minerva, they are taking a road trip to take on West Holmes at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday.
