The Dublin Scioto Irish are taking a road trip to take on the Hilliard Darby Panthers at 5:15 p.m. on Thursday. Dublin Scioto's pitching crew has only allowed 2.4 runs per game this season, so Hilliard Darby's hitters will have their work cut out for them.
Dublin Scioto is coming in off a wild two-game stretch: after soaring to 11 runs on Friday, they were much more limited against Olentangy Orange on Wednesday. They came up short against the Pioneers, falling 8-1. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest defeat the Irish have suffered since April 25, 2024.
Dublin Scioto saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Sophia Jackson, who went 1-for-2 with one run and one double.
Meanwhile, it may have taken nine innings to finish the job, but Hilliard Darby ultimately got the result they hoped for last Wednesday. They won by a run and slipped past Hilliard Davidson 4-3. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Panthers have posted since April 14th.
Marley Grigsby spent all nine innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and one unearned) runs on eight hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one walk in three consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Lorelai Gum was excellent, going 2-for-4 with two doubles, two RBI, and one run. Kaydence Speelman was another key player, going 1-for-4 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI.
Dublin Scioto has been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four matchups. That's put a noticeable dent in their 14-5 record this season. As for Hilliard Darby, with the victory, they broke their three-game losing streak and moved their record to 14-6.
Hilliard Darby's hitters will have their work cut out for them on Thursday. Dublin Scioto has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 11.8 strikeouts per game. It's a different story for Hilliard Darby, though, as they've been averaging only 3.8 strikeouts. Will Dublin Scioto keep running through batters, or will the Panthers buck the trend?
Dublin Scioto skirted past Hilliard Darby 7-5 when the teams last played back in March of 2022. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Irish since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
