The Shelton Gaels will head out to face off against the North Haven Nighthawks at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Shelton is coming into the game hot, having won their last six games.
Shelton had to skate by with only a one-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the 12-run drubbing they dealt Hamden on Monday. The Gaels were the clear victors by a 14-2 margin over the Green Dragons. The Gaels might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won 13 matchups by nine runs or more this season.
Riley Breunig made a big impact no matter where she played. She struck out seven batters over six innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off six hits. That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in April of 2024. She was also big at the plate, going 3-for-5 with one triple, two RBI, and one run. Those hits were her first of the season.
In other batting news, Shelton got a massive performance out of Chayse DellaRocco, who went 3-for-4 with three doubles, four RBI, and two runs. That's the most doubles DellaRocco has posted since back in April. Another player making a difference was Tori Silva, who went 3-for-4 with four stolen bases and three runs.
Shelton was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .455. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .320 or higher in seven consecutive contests.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for North Haven, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Thursday. They walked away with a 6-1 victory over Guilford on Monday. The win was a breath of fresh air for the Nighthawks as it put an end to their three-game losing streak.
Brianna Palmese spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered a run (which was unearned) on two hits.
On the hitting side, Chloe Belcher was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with one triple, two RBI, and one run. Kaydence Ford was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one double.
Shelton's victory bumped their record up to 15-4. As for North Haven, their win bumped their record up to 5-13.
North Haven's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Shelton hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .427. It's a different story for North Haven, though, as they've only averaged .241. Will they be able to contain Shelton's hitters?
Shelton might still be hurting after the 13-1 defeat they got from North Haven when the teams last played back in April of 2023. Can the Gaels avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
