The Linden Lions will challenge the Franklin Wildcats at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. Both come into the contest bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
If Linden beats Franklin with eight runs on Thursday, it's going to be the squad's new lucky number: they've won their past two matchups with that exact score. Linden sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with an 8-7 victory over Argonaut on Wednesday. The win continues a trend for the Lions in their matchups with the Mustangs: they've now won four in a row.
The team relied heavily on Olivia Fears, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with two stolen bases, four RBI, and two runs. Another player making a difference was Audrey Pitt, who went 2-for-3 with one triple, two RBI, and one run.
Linden was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .379. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Argonaut only posted a batting average of .192.
While Franklin didn't have the best season last year (they finished 10-17), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. They walked away with a 6-2 victory over Granite Bay on Tuesday.
Leilani Garcia spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and one unearned) run on three hits and racked up six Ks. She has been consistent : she hasn't given up more than two walks any time she's pitched this season.
At the plate, Micayla Arlotto was incredible, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 3-for-4. What's more, she posted three hits, the most she's had since back in April of 2024. Madison Ortega also deserves some recognition as she brought in her first RBI of the season.
Linden pushed their record up to 2-0 with the win, which was their ninth straight at home dating back to last season. The wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.8 runs over those games. As for Franklin, their record is now 5-1.
Linden might still be hurting after the 11-1 loss they got from Franklin in their previous meeting back in April of 2023. Can Linden avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
