East Palestine is 2-8 against Columbiana since March of 2018 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit in Saturday's first game. The East Palestine Bulldogs will head out on the road to face off against the Columbiana Clippers at 12:30 p.m. Keep an eye on the score for this one: the pair posted some lofty run totals in their previous games.
Even though East Palestine couldn't quite topple David Anderson on Tuesday, it was still a huge improvement compared to the 17-point defeat they took when the two last played. Everything went East Palestine's way against David Anderson as East Palestine made off with a 14-4 victory. The win was just what East Palestine needed coming off of a 15-5 loss in their prior match.
Gabby Andre was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (she also only allowed one walk). Andre was also solid in the batter's box, scoring three runs and stealing a base while going 1-for-3.
In other batting news, Maddison Foster was incredible, going 3-for-3 with four RBI and a run. Kennedy Andre was another key contributor, scoring two runs while going 2-for-3.
Meanwhile, in what's become a running theme this season, Columbiana gave their fans yet another huge victory on Wednesday. They were the clear victor by a 15-1 margin over Springfield. Winning may never get old, but Columbiana sure is getting used to it with their third in a row.
Like East Palestine, Columbiana also got a great game from a two-way player: Mackenzi Gamble. She struck out eight batters over five innings while giving up just one earned run off four hits (and not a single walk). Gamble has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't pitched less than five innings in three consecutive pitching appearances. Gamble was also big at the plate, firing off two home runs and four RBI while going 3-for-4.
In other batting news, Columbiana got a massive performance out of Caitlynn Pleska, who went 3-for-3 with a home run, four runs, and three RBI. Another player making a difference was Cameron Perkins, who went 3-for-4 with a home run, three runs, and a double.
East Palestine's win ended a six-game drought at home dating back to last season and bumped them up to 1-2. As for Columbiana, they have been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five games, which provided a nice bump to their 6-2 record this season.
East Palestine's speedy runners might be the difference in Saturday's matchup. East Palestine has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Columbiana, though, as they've been averaging only 1.1. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will East Palestine continue to outrun the ball?
East Palestine suffered a grim 10-2 defeat to Columbiana in their previous matchup back in May of 2023. Can East Palestine avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
