Shaker Heights hasn't had much luck against Strongsville recently, but that could start to change on Wednesday. The Red Raiders will challenge the Mustangs at 5:00 p.m. Shaker Heights is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 9.4 runs per game this season.
Shaker Heights will roll into the matchup after a wild two-game stretch: they didn't score any runs on Friday, then bounced right back against St. Joseph Academy on Monday. The Red Raiders were the clear victors by a 13-3 margin over the Jaguars. While the Red Raiders didn't have the best season last year (they finished 2-9), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past.
Scout Harvey made a splash while hitting and pitching. She struck out six batters over five innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off eight hits. Harvey was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run while going 2-for-4. She also hit a double, marking her first of the season.
In other batting news, Emerson Miller was incredible, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with three runs, three RBI, and one triple. Molly Milligan was another key player, scoring two runs while going 1-for-3.
Shaker Heights always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .636. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as St. Joseph Academy only posted an OBP of .444.
Meanwhile, Strongsville fell victim to Mentor and their airtight pitching crew on Monday. They took a 3-0 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Cardinals. The contest marked the first time this year in which the Mustangs were not able to get on the board.
Strongsville's defeat was their first in the conference, dropping their conference record down to 2-1 and their overall record down to 4-2. As for Shaker Heights, their win bumped their record up to 5-2.
Strongsville's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Shaker Heights has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .552. It's a different story for Strongsville, though, as they've only averaged .321. Will they be able to contain Shaker Heights' hitters? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
