The Lakeland Chiefs will venture away from home to challenge the Old Forge Blue Devils at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Lakeland has given up an average of 8.7 runs per game this season, but Wednesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Lakeland is headed into Wednesday's game looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fourth straight game on Monday. They lost 13-5 to Riverside. The home team had taken home the W every time these teams have met since April 18, 2022, but that streak is no more.
Mick Eremo was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, one run, and one RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Olivia Cunningham, who went 1-for-4 with one stolen base, one run, and one double.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Old Forge). They put the hurt on Honesdale with a sharp 18-3 victory on Friday. The Blue Devils might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won seven contests by six runs or more this season.
Old Forge got a massive performance out of Joselyn DeStefano, who went 3-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and three RBI. Those three RBI gave DeStefano a new career-high. Lilianna Lenceski also deserves some recognition as she hit her first double of the season.
Old Forge always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .600. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Old Forge pushed their record up to 7-8 with the win, which was their third straight at home. Those home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 13.7 runs over those games. As for Lakeland, their defeat dropped their record down to 6-11.
Fans could be in store for some top-tier slugging on Wednesday. Lakeland hasn't had any problems when it comes to power this season, having averaged 0.4 home runs per game. However, it's not like Old Forge struggles in that department as they've been averaging 0.5 home runs. With so much power on both teams, it'll be down to the pitchers to keep the mound locked down.
Lakeland skirted past Old Forge 9-7 in their previous meeting back in April. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Chiefs since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
