Molalla is 2-8 against Gladstone since May of 2023 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Wednesday. The Indians will challenge the Gladiators at 4:30 p.m. Both come into the matchup bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Having struggled with six defeats in a row, Molalla turned things around against Madras on Tuesday. They put the hurt on the White Buffalos with a sharp 14-4 victory. Considering the Indians' hitters had been struggling lately, the high-scoring outing was a much-needed turnaround.
Brooklyn Brady and Brenna Jackson made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, Brady pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs off four hits. Meanwhile, Jackson struck out seven batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than two walks in nine consecutive appearances. At the plate, Brady went a perfect 2-for-2 with one run and one RBI, while Jackson fired off two home runs, six RBI, and three runs while going 3-for-4. Those two home runs gave Jackson a new career-high.
In other batting news, Paetyn Smith and Madison Shultz did most of the damage at the plate: Smith went 2-for-3 with one home run and three RBI, while Shultz got on base in three of her five plate appearances with three runs, one triple, and one stolen base. That's the most runs Shultz has posted since back in March. Brylee Kliewer was another key player, going 2-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI.
Molalla was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .500. That's the best batting average they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, it may have taken ten innings to finish the job, but Gladstone ultimately got the result they hoped for on Monday. They had just enough and edged out The Dalles 4-3. That's two games straight that the Gladiators have won by just one run.
Ashlynne Franssen was a major factor no matter where she played. She struck out 17 batters over ten innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off six hits. Franssen was also big at the plate, getting on base in three of her five plate appearances with one home run.
In other batting news, Gabriella Gunderson was incredible, going 3-for-5 with one home run, two RBI, and one double.
Gladstone's record now sits at 15-12. As for Molalla, they now have a winning record of 15-14.
Molalla couldn't quite get it done against Gladstone in their previous meeting two weeks ago as they fell 6-2. Can the Indians avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
