Dublin Scioto is 0-7 against Hayes since April of 2021 but things could change on Thursday. The Irish will head out on the road to challenge the Pacers at 5:15 p.m. Each of these teams will be fighting to keep a win streak alive as Dublin Scioto comes in on seven and Hayes on six.
Hayes' hitters are going to have their work cut out for them on Thursday: Dublin Scioto hadn't allowed a single run the last four times they've hit the field. The Irish's pitcher stepped up to hand Westland a 22-0 shutout on Monday. Considering the Irish have won seven matches by more than nine runs this season, Monday's blowout was nothing new.
Alexis Richie made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She kept things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out 14 over five innings pitched. With that strong performance, she is now averaging an impressive 5.6 strikeouts per game. She was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in four of her five plate appearances with four runs and four RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Avery Reynolds, who got on base in all five of her plate appearances with one home run, eight RBI, and two runs. That home run was her first of the season. Another player making a difference was Gina Wasko, who scored three runs while going 2-for-5.
Dublin Scioto was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .464. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .333 or higher every time they've taken the field this season.
Meanwhile, Hayes made easy work of Westerville South on Wednesday and carried off an 11-0 win. Considering the Pacers have won four contests by more than eight runs this season, Wednesday's blowout was nothing new.
Lizzy Gould was a standout: she went 1-for-2 with two runs, one triple, and one RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Grace Singleton, who went 1-for-2 with four RBI and one run.
Hayes' victory was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 8-1. Those home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.3 runs over those games. As for Dublin Scioto, their record now sits at 8-1.
Thursday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Dublin Scioto hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .460. However, it's not like Hayes struggles in that department as they've averaged .335. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Dublin Scioto came up short against Hayes in their previous meeting back in April of 2024, falling 4-1. Can the Irish avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
