The Palmer Panthers will head out to square off against the Chicopee Pacers at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. Palmer is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.8 runs per game this season.
Having struggled with three losses in a row, Palmer turned things around against Holyoke on Thursday. They blew past the Knights 19-7. The Panthers not only won on Thursday, but they posted their biggest win since April 6th (when they won 22-10).
| 05/07/26 vs Holyoke | 3 |
| 04/06/26 vs Mahar Regional | 2 |
| 05/07/25 @ Quaboag Regional | 1 |
| 04/15/25 vs Smith Academy | 1 |
Palmer got a massive performance out of Amhia Mcelreavy, who got on base in four of her five plate appearances with four stolen bases, four runs, and three RBI. Those three RBI gave Mcelreavy a new career-high. Harper Broulliette also deserves some recognition as she hit her first triple of the season.
Palmer always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .615. They are 2-1 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Meanwhile, Chicopee is still undefeated this season after their matchup against Granby on Tuesday, but Granby came as close as anyone has to beating them. The Pacers came out on top in a nail-biter against the Rams, sneaking past 8-6.
Raelyn Loud made a splash no matter where she played. She struck out 14 batters over seven innings while giving up three earned (and three unearned) runs off seven hits. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts any time she's pitched this season. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with one run and one RBI.
In other batting news, Adeline Olbrych was a standout: she got on base in all four of her plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and one double. She is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now snagged at least one in each of the last three games she's played. Another player making a difference was Izzabella Harper, who went 2-for-4 with three stolen bases, two RBI, and one run.
Palmer's win was their first in the league, bumping their league record up to 1-5 and their overall record up to 3-9. As for Chicopee, their record is now 14-0.
Friday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Palmer has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .439. However, it's not like Chicopee struggles in that department as they've averaged .511. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Palmer might still be hurting after the 18-6 defeat they got from Chicopee in their previous matchup back in April. Can the Panthers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
