The Bradford Red Devils will face off against the Middleton Tigers at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Having both just faced considerable losses, both teams are looking to turn things around.
McKenzie hit Bradford with a five-run third inning on Tuesday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Red Devils lost 13-7 to the Rebels.
Cara Copous was huge while hitting and pitching even without the win. On the mound, she pitched four innings while giving up just one earned (and five unearned) runs off seven hits. She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances. She was even better at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one double.
Copous wasn't the only one making solid contact as two players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Leah Page, who went 1-for-3 with one double and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Middleton came up short against Madison on Tuesday, falling 16-9.
Shaelyn Daniels stepped up to lead a balanced group of hitters: she went 2-for-4 with one home run, two stolen bases, and three RBI. That home run marked the first that she has launched this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Brooklyn Webb, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and one double.
Middleton has traveled a rocky road recently, having lost five of their last six matchups. That's put a noticeable dent in their 6-6 record this season. As for Bradford, their defeat dropped their record down to 9-8.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Thursday as neither team is afraid to steal. Bradford has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 7.5 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Middleton struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 9.8 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Everything went Bradford's way against Middleton in their previous matchup last Tuesday, as Bradford made off with a 16-1 win. Will the Red Devils repeat their success, or do the Tigers have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
