It can be hard to translate regular season success to the playoffs, but Norwalk had no problem doing just that on Thursday. They skirted past the Covina Colts 5-4. The win was nothing new for Norwalk as they're now sitting on three straight.
Jalynn Banda was a major factor no matter where she played. She struck out ten batters over seven innings while giving up three earned (and one unearned) runs off three hits (and not a single walk). Banda has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in 11 consecutive pitching appearances. Banda was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with three doubles, a run, and an RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Kendall Nakano, who went 1-for-3 with a home run and two runs. She has been hot recently, having posted at least one home run the last three times she's played. Amarie Encarnacion was another key contributor, scoring a run while going 1-for-3.
Norwalk is on a roll lately: they've won six of their last seven matchups, which provided a nice bump to their 19-9 record this season. As for Covina, they have been struggling recently as they've lost six of their last eight contests, which put a noticeable dent in their 11-11-1 record this season.
Norwalk will head out on the road to take on JW North at 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday. Norwalk is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.1 runs per game this season. Covina does not have any more games scheduled as of now.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
