The Orange Panthers will head out to take on the Wakefield Wolverines at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Orange is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.1 runs per game this season.
Orange took a loss when they played away from home back in March, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Tuesday. They came out on top against Person by a score of 13-8. The high-scoring effort was just what the Panthers needed considering they were shut out in their previous contest.
Katie Carden
| 04/15/25 vs Person | 2 |
| 03/03/25 vs Southeast Alamance | 1 |
| 05/07/24 vs C.B. Aycock | 1 |
| 04/26/24 vs Southern Alamance | 1 |
| 04/24/24 vs Apex Friendship | 1 |
Orange got a massive performance out of Katie Carden, who scored three runs and stole a base while going 3-for-3. The dominant performance also gave Carden a new career-high in doubles (two). Another player making a difference was Hayleigh Hammond, who scored three runs and stole a base while going 2-for-3.
Carden wasn't the only one making solid contact: Orange kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. The Panthers are 5-1 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, Wakefield came tearing into Monday's matchup with four straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 10.3 runs), and they left with even more momentum. They came within a single run of losing the streak, but they secured a 6-5 W against the Cougars. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Wolverines have posted since May 16, 2024.
Wakefield also got a great performance from Aniela Piscorik as she struck out six batters over five innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off three hits (and only one walk).
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Holly Work, who went 3-for-4 with four RBI, two doubles, and one run. Brenna Colleran was another key player, scoring three runs while going 3-for-4.
Wakefield pushed their record up to 14-2 with the victory, which was their 11th straight on the road dating back to last season. Those road wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.5 runs on average over those games. As for Orange, their record now sits at 7-5.
Wednesday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Orange hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .353. However, it's not like Wakefield struggles in that department as they've averaged .341. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Orange couldn't quite get it done against Wakefield in their previous matchup back in February of 2024 as they fell 7-3. Can the Panthers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
