The Bucktail Bucks will square off against the West Branch Warriors at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Each of these teams will be battling to keep a three-game winning streak alive.
On Monday, Bucktail got the win against East Juniata by a conclusive 11-1. The result was nothing new for the Bucks, who have now won 11 contests by ten runs or more so far this season.
Kelsie Wagner was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than one hit in ten consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one double.
In other batting news, Bucktail let Rebekah Conway and Lola English run wild. Conway went a perfect 2-for-2 with four stolen bases, three RBI, and one run, while English got on base in three of her four plate appearances with three stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI. That's the most stolen bases Conway has posted since back in April. The team also got some help courtesy of Eva Sockman, who went 1-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double.
The home team had won the previous four meetings between West Branch and Juniata Valley, and West Branch kept the tradition alive. The Warriors skirted past the Hornets 7-5. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Warriors have posted against the Hornets since April 27, 2023.
Isabella Nelson spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered four earned (and one unearned) runs on nine hits.
At the plate, Isabella Koleno and Lindsey Bainey did most of the damage at the plate: Koleno went 2-for-3 with two RBI and one run, while Bainey went 1-for-3 with two runs, one triple, and one RBI. That triple marked the first that Bainey has hit this season. Another player making a difference was Finley O'Hare, who went 1-for-2 with two runs.
Bucktail's win bumped their record up to 13-3. As for West Branch, their victory bumped their record up to 10-7.
West Branch's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Bucktail has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .572. It's a different story for West Branch, though, as they've only averaged .364. Will they be able to contain Bucktail's hitters?
Bucktail might still be hurting after the 10-1 defeat they got from West Branch when the teams last played back in April of 2024. Will the Bucks have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
