The Arnold Marlins will head out on the road to challenge the Wewahitchka Gators at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Arnold is coming into the contest hot, having won their last four games.
Arnold came out on top against Mosley on Monday thanks in part to the team's impressive eight-run fifth inning. The Marlins put the hurt on the Dolphins with a sharp 12-0 victory. Considering the Marlins have won eight games by more than six runs this season, Monday's blowout was nothing new.
The team relied heavily on Laela Kern, who went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI. That's the most stolen bases she has posted since back in March. The team also got some help courtesy of Hayley Sexton, who went 2-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double.
Arnold was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .417. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .360 or higher in four consecutive matchups.
Meanwhile, Wewahitchka didn't have quite enough to beat Bozeman on Thursday and fell 7-6.
Severa Haney was a force to be reckoned with on the mound despite the final result: she pitched six innings while giving up just two earned (and five unearned) runs off eight hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up a single walk in three consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Eden Rustin made the most of her time in the batter's box despite the final result and fired off two home runs, four RBI, and one stolen base while going 3-for-4. Another player making a difference was Paityn Suber, who went 2-for-4 with one stolen base and one run.
Wewahitchka has been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 13-9 record this season. Those losses can't be blamed on the team's pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.8 runs on average over those games. As for Arnold, their win bumped their record up to 16-8.
Wewahitchka's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Arnold has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .464. It's a different story for Wewahitchka, though, as they've only averaged .359. Will they be able to contain Arnold's hitters?
Arnold came out on top in a nail-biter against Wewahitchka in their previous matchup back in February, sneaking past 6-5. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Marlins since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
