The Franklin Cougars will face off against the Bel Air Highlanders at 10:40 a.m. on Saturday. Franklin has given up an average of 9.4 runs per game this season, so hopefully the team got some pitching drills in this week.
Franklin's tournament run continued when they took on Eastwood on Friday. Franklin took an 11-8 hit to the loss column at the hands of Eastwood.
Maria Lopez made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and scored a run while going 2-for-3. What's more, she posted three RBI, the most she's had over her last 16 contests. Layla Heredia was another key player, scoring two runs while going 2-for-3.
Even though they lost, Franklin hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now struck out at most four strikeouts in three consecutive matches.
Meanwhile, Bel Air waltzed into their game on Friday with three straight wins... but they left with four. They were the clear victor by a 9-1 margin over the Matadors. The game was the first time the Highlanders have beaten the Matadors on their field since April 13, 2021.
Anabella Villagrana was incredible, going 3-for-4 with one home run, five RBI, and one double. That home run marked the first that she launched this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Riley Garner, who scored a run while going 2-for-4.
Franklin has been struggling recently as they've lost six of their last eight contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 5-9-1 record this season. Bel Air's victory bumped their record up to 4-12.
Saturday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Franklin has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .502. However, it's not like Bel Air struggles in that department as they've averaged .448. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Everything went Franklin's way against Bel Air in their previous matchup back in February, as Franklin made off with a 10-2 win. Will Franklin repeat their success, or does Bel Air have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
