The Algonac Muskrats will face off against the Utica Chieftains at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.
Algonac couldn't beat Howell on Friday even though they stacked seven runs on them in the seventh inning. The Muskrats lost 20-13 to the Highlanders. The Muskrats have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Algonac saw nine different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Morgan Reams, who went 3-for-4 with three RBI, two runs, and one triple. Another was Layna Kunnath, who went 3-for-4 with two runs and one double.
Meanwhile, Utica made easy work of Athens on Tuesday and carried off a 15-5 win. The result was nothing new for the Chieftains, who have now won nine games by six runs or more so far this season.
Violet Smith made a splash while hitting and pitching. She struck out 17 batters over seven innings while giving up three earned (and two unearned) runs off three hits. Those 17 strikeouts gave her a new career-high. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with one run and one RBI.
In other batting news, Kylie Condon was a standout: she fired off three triples, three runs, and four RBI while going 3-for-4. Those three triples gave her a new career-high. Rachel Durecki was another key player, going a perfect 4-for-4 with five RBI, two runs, and one stolen base.
Utica was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .486. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Athens only posted a batting average of .167.
The victory made it two in a row for Utica and bumps their season record up to 13-15. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 16.0 runs over those games. As for Algonac, their defeat dropped their record down to 13-13.
Wednesday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Algonac hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .386. However, it's not like Utica struggles in that department as they've averaged .336. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.
