Hermiston is 2-8 against Kamiakin since April of 2019 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Friday. The Bulldogs will host the Braves at 4:00 p.m. Hermiston has given up an average of 7.7 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Richland hit Hermiston with a five-run third inning on Tuesday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Bulldogs came up short against the Bombers, falling 13-3.
Hermiston saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Kylie Virgil, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with two RBI.
Meanwhile, Kamiakin waltzed into their game on Tuesday with four straight wins... but they left with five. They never let the Bulldogs get on the board and left with a 20-0 victory. The result was nothing new for the Braves, who have now won nine matches by six runs or more so far this season.
Lizzie O'Leary made a splash no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in 14 consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, firing off two home runs and five RBI while going 3-for-3. Those two home runs gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, Harley Worster was incredible, firing off two home runs, five RBI, and three runs while going 3-for-3. That's the most home runs she has posted since back in March. Another player making a difference was Analise Thomasson, who got on base in all three of her plate appearances with three runs, one stolen base, and one double.
Kamiakin kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 17 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits in five consecutive contests.
Kamiakin's win was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 13-5. Those home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.0 runs on average over those games. As for Hermiston, their loss dropped their record down to 8-10.
Friday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Hermiston has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .502. However, it's not like Kamiakin struggles in that department as they've averaged .457. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Hermiston might still be hurting after the 14-4 defeat they got from Kamiakin in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Will the Bulldogs have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.
