The Western Panthers will square off against the Logansport Berries at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Western is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Thursday. They never let West Lafayette get on the board and left with a 14-0 win. The victory was familiar territory for the Panthers, who have now won 12 matches in a row.
Lucy George made a splash no matter where she played. She didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out 11 over five innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in seven consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with one double and one RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Brynley Erb, who fired off two home runs, three runs, and four RBI while going 2-for-3. That's the most home runs she has posted since May 3rd. Another player making a difference was Kylie Miller, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs, one stolen base, and one double.
Western always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .562. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as West Lafayette only posted an OBP of .056.
Meanwhile, Logansport entered their tilt with Peru on Thursday with 13 consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with 14. They put the hurt on the Tigers with a sharp 14-1 win.
Like Western, Logansport also got a great game from a two-way player: Natalee Packard. Throwing, Packard didn't allow a single earned run while striking out six over four innings pitched. Meanwhile, Brooklynn Hagerty pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. At bat, Packard went 2-for-3 with two runs and one RBI, while Hagerty went 2-for-3 with two RBI and one run.
In other batting news, Gracie Risley was incredible, going 2-for-3 with one home run, two runs, and one stolen base. The team also got some help courtesy of Adrienne Scott, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs and one stolen base.
Western's victory bumped their record up to 25-3. As for Logansport, their win bumped their record up to 25-4.
Saturday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Western hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .370. However, it's not like Logansport struggles in that department as they've averaged .345. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Western might still be hurting after the 10-2 defeat they got from Logansport in their previous meeting back in April. Can the Panthers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
