Northridge is on a four-game streak of home losses, and Utica an eight-game streak of away losses. However, someone's due for a change in luck on Friday. The Northridge Vikings will be playing at home against the Utica Redskins at 5:30 p.m. Northridge has given up an average of 14.3 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Northridge fell victim to Watkins Memorial and their airtight pitching crew on Wednesday. They came up short against the Warriors, falling 13-0.
Utica came out on top against Newark Catholic on Thursday thanks in part to the team's impressive nine-run first inning. The Redskins sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 16-15 victory over the Green Wave. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Redskins have posted since April 9th.
Emily Meyers and Kenzie Fletcher did most of the damage at the plate: Meyers went 4-for-5 with four runs, two RBI, and one double, while Fletcher went 2-for-4 with one home run, three RBI, and one stolen base. Those four runs gave Meyers a new career-high. Kaitlin Evans was another key player, getting on base in all five of her plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and one double.
Utica was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .459. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .459 or higher in three consecutive contests.
Northridge's loss dropped their record down to 4-11. As for Utica, their victory bumped their record up to 6-8.
Friday's match will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Northridge hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .338. However, it's not like Utica struggles in that department as they've averaged .375. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Northridge suffered a grim 15-5 defeat to Utica when the teams last played last Tuesday. Will the Vikings have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.
