The Salem Wildcats will play host again on Tuesday to welcome the Richland County Tigers, where first pitch is scheduled at 4:30 p.m. The last three games Salem has played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.
Last Thursday, Salem narrowly escaped with a victory as the squad sidled past Roxana 5-4.
Breanna Thurman was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out 12 batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned (and two unearned) runs off nine hits (and only one walk). Thurman has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive pitching appearances. Thurman was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with a triple, two RBI, and a run.
Thurman wasn't the only one making solid contact as three players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Lilly Blagoue, who went 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBI.
Meanwhile, Richland County came into Monday's matchup having lost three straight, but that streak is now in the rearview. They were the clear victor by an 11-5 margin over Paris on Monday.
Like Salem, Richland County also got a great game from a two-way player: Taylor Bloomer. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over seven innings while giving up three earned (and two unearned) runs off seven hits (and only one walk). Bloomer was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run while going 1-for-4.
In other batting news, Bailey Rennier and Miranda Dowty did most of the damage at the plate: Rennier scored two runs while going 2-for-4, while Dowty scored three runs and stole a base while going 2-for-4. Another player making a difference was Isabella Trupiano, who went 1-for-3 with two RBI and a double.
Salem has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won six of their last seven games, which provided a nice bump to their 19-5 record this season. As for Richland County, their win bumped their record up to 12-10.
Fans could be in store for some top-tier slugging on Tuesday. Salem hasn't had any problems when it comes to power this season, having averaged 1.4 home runs per game. However, it's not like Richland County struggles in that department as they've been averaging 0.4. With so much power on both teams, it'll be down to the pitchers to keep the mound locked down.
Salem took their victory against Richland County when the teams last played back in April of 2021 by a conclusive 16-1. Does Salem have another victory up their sleeve, or will Richland County turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
