Clayton is 2-8 against Mora since April of 2022 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Monday. The Yellowjackets will head out to square off against the Rangers/Rangerettes at 3:00 p.m. Clayton has given up an average of 18.2 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Clayton is headed into Monday's matchup looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fourth straight game on Saturday. They came up short against Raton, falling 19-0.
Meanwhile, Mora had already won seven in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 6.3 runs) and they went ahead and made it eight on Wednesday. Everything went their way against the Bobcats as they made off with an 18-1 win. The result was nothing new for the Rangers/Rangerettes, who have now won 11 games by seven runs or more so far this season.
Justina Duran made a splash while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over 2.2 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and not a single walk). She has been consistent: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in seven consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Jasmine Romero, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with two stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI. Another player making a difference was Janelle Torres, who went 1-for-2 with three RBI, one run, and one double.
Mora always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .625. That was just more of the same: they've now posted an OBP of .500 or higher in five consecutive contests.
Mora pushed their record up to 15-4 with the victory, which was their fourth straight on the road. Those road wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 20.3 runs over those games. As for Clayton, their defeat dropped their record down to 6-12.
Monday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Clayton has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .791. However, it's not like Mora struggles in that department as they've averaged .635. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Clayton suffered a grim 27-10 defeat to Mora in their previous meeting back in March. Can the Yellowjackets avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
