The Hempfield Black Knights will venture away from home to challenge the Manheim Township Blue Streaks at 7:00 p.m. on Monday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Hempfield took a loss when they played away from home on Monday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Wednesday. Everything went their way against J.P. McCaskey as they made off with a 10-1 win.
Rose Wendel was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs off three hits. She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two runs and one RBI.
In other batting news, Kali Peifer was incredible, going a perfect 2-for-2 with three RBI and two runs. Kiara Rodriguez was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two RBI, one run, and one double.
Hempfield hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as J.P. McCaskey struck out eight times.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Manheim Township). They were the clear victors by a 21-5 margin over Cedar Crest on Wednesday. With that victory, the Blue Streaks brought their scoring average up to 7.2 runs per game.
The team relied heavily on Natalie Brownell, who earned two RBI and two runs.
Hempfield now has a winning record of 6-5. As for Manheim Township, the win got them back to even at 6-6.
Monday's match will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Hempfield hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .392. However, it's not like Manheim Township struggles in that department as they've averaged .328. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Everything went Hempfield's way against Manheim Township in their previous meeting on April 2nd, as Hempfield made off with a 10-1 victory. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Black Knights since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
