Winfield hadn't done well against Howell North recently (they were 0-4 in their previous four matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Wednesday. The Winfield Warriors blew past the Howell North Knights 13-3. The Warriors might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won ten contests by seven runs or more this season.
Maci Knowles spent all six innings played on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and two unearned) runs on six hits and racked up seven Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts every time she's pitched this season.
On the hitting side, Riley Havican was a standout: she scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-4. Another player making a difference was Claire Shoemake, who scored two runs while going 2-for-4.
Perhaps unsurprisingly given the score, Winfield didn't let batters stay on the plate for long and finished the game with seven strikeouts. That's a new trend for them: they were averaging 0 strikeouts per game earlier this season, but in their last five games they've averaged 8.2.
Winfield's victory was their eighth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 17-3. As for Howell North, they have traveled a rocky road recently having lost seven of their last eight matchups, which put a noticeable dent in their 7-10 record this season.
Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Winfield will venture away from home to face off against St. Charles West at 4:15 p.m. on Thursday. Winfield's pitching crew has only allowed 2.5 runs per game this season, so St. Charles West's hitters will have their work cut out for them. As for Howell North, their road trip will continue as they head out to face Fort Zumwalt West at 4:15 p.m. on Thursday. Fort Zumwalt West will roll in looking for their sixth straight win, something Howell North surely won't give up without a fight.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
