The Normandy Invaders will venture away from home to challenge the Rocky River Pirates at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Normandy has given up an average of 10.8 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Normandy couldn't beat Lakewood on Thursday even though they stacked four runs on them in the fifth inning. The Invaders came up short against the Rangers, falling 17-5. Invaders fans who chose to attend the game sure picked the wrong one: it was the first time the team has lost against the Rangers since Thursday.
Maddie Kirk and Ava Ramirez did some serious damage despite the final result: Kirk went a perfect 4-for-4 with one run, while Ramirez went 1-for-2 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI. Lizzie Skidmore also deserves some recognition as she snagged her first stolen base of the season.
Meanwhile, Rocky River came tearing into Wednesday's contest with seven straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 10.1 runs), and they left with even more momentum. Their pitcher stepped up to hand the Rockets a 10-0 shutout. Considering the Pirates have won 13 games by more than five runs this season, Wednesday's blowout was nothing new.
Reagan Kane was a major factor no matter where she played. She didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out 11 over five innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in seven consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with one triple, one run, and one RBI.
In other batting news, Maddie Sollars was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three stolen bases and two runs. Another player making a difference was Elizabeth Smalley, who went 2-for-3 with three RBI, one stolen base, and one run.
Rocky River always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .633. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Bay only posted an OBP of .118.
Rocky River's record now sits at 18-7. As for Normandy, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost four of their last five matchups. That's put a noticeable dent in their 5-9 record this season.
Friday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Normandy hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .356. However, it's not like Rocky River struggles in that department as they've averaged .319. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Normandy might still be hurting after the 6-0 loss they got from Rocky River in their previous matchup back in April. Can the Invaders avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
