Monticello is on a ten-game streak of home wins (dating back to last season), while Goochland is on a three-game streak of away wins: one of those streaks is about to end. After both having extra time off, the two teams will shake off the rust and duke it out at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (Monticello 0.5, Goochland 3) so any runs scored will be well earned.
If Monticello beats Goochland with 18 runs on Tuesday, it's going to be the squad's new lucky number: they've won their past two matchups with that exact score. The Mustangs beat James River Midlothian two weeks ago by the very same score they won with in their prior game: 18-1. Fans of the Mustangs have seen this all before: every one of the games they've played this season has ended in a blowout of 6+ runs.
The team relied heavily on Willow Barr, who scored four runs while going 3-for-4. The dominant performance also gave her a new career-high in doubles (two). Another player making a difference was Delaney Via, who scored three runs while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances.
Monticello hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as James River Midlothian struck out 15 times.
Meanwhile, Goochland posted their closest win since April 10, 2024 last Tuesday. They won by a run and slipped past William Monroe 6-5. The home team had taken home the W every time these teams have met since March 12, 2024, but that streak is no more.
Ryleigh Shapiro was incredible, going 2-for-4 with one home run and three RBI. That home run was her first of the season. Ellie Toney was another key player, going 3-for-4 with two doubles and two RBI.
Goochland's victory bumped their record up to 4-1. As for Monticello, their win bumped their record up to 4-0.
Goochland's hitters will have their work cut out for them on Tuesday. Monticello has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 11.5 strikeouts per game. It's a different story for Goochland, though, as they've been averaging only 3.2 strikeouts. Will Monticello keep running through batters, or will the Bulldogs buck the trend?
Monticello skirted past Goochland 2-0 in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Do the Mustangs have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Bulldogs turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
