The Northampton Blue Devils will venture away from home to challenge the Longmeadow Lancers at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. One thing working in Northampton's favor is that they have posted at least ten runs in their last four games.
Northampton took a 12-run loss the last time they faced off against Belchertown, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Blue Devils sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 16-14 win over the Orioles on Tuesday. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Blue Devils have posted since May 7, 2025.
Greta Lepore made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out ten batters over seven innings while giving up three earned (and 11 unearned) runs off 11 hits. Lepore was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with four RBI, one stolen base, and one run.
In other batting news, Avery Hicks was a standout: she went 3-for-5 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. That home run was her first of the season. Another player making a difference was Rosie Simmons, who went 3-for-4 with three RBI, one stolen base, and one run.
Northampton kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 18 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least nine hits in four consecutive contests.
Meanwhile, Longmeadow hadn't done well against Westfield recently (they were 1-8 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Tuesday. The Lancers had just enough and edged out the Bombers 7-6.
Isabella Blue spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered six runs (all of which were unearned) on seven hits and racked up seven Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in three consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Delaney Schrager was incredible, firing off two home runs and four RBI while going 2-for-3. Carly Metzler was another key player, going 3-for-4 with one run and one RBI.
Northampton is on a roll lately: they've won five of their last six matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 10-4 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 13.7 runs over those games. As for Longmeadow, their record now sits at 9-3.
Thursday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Northampton has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .498. However, it's not like Longmeadow struggles in that department as they've averaged .472. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Northampton suffered a grim 20-7 defeat to Longmeadow in their previous matchup back in May of 2023. Can the Blue Devils avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
