The Randolph Rockets will take on the Markesan Hornets at 5:00 p.m. on Monday. Randolph is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.3 runs per game this season.
Randolph will roll into the contest after a wild two-game stretch: they didn't score any runs on Thursday, then bounced right back against Montello on Friday. The Rockets blew past the Hilltoppers 14-4. The Rockets might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won five matchups by six runs or more this season.
Jenna Bahr and Tessa Reed were major factors while hitting and pitching. Throwing, Bahr tossed 5.1 innings while giving up just two earned (and two unearned) runs off three hits. Meanwhile, Reed pitched 1.2 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. At bat, Bahr got on base in four of her five plate appearances with two runs and one RBI, while Reed went 2-for-5 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run.
In other batting news, Evalyn Rivera was excellent, getting on base in three of her five plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. Paetyn Bryant was another key player, getting on base in three of her five plate appearances with three runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
Randolph kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. They are 3-1 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, Markesan had already won two in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 4 runs) and they went ahead and made it three on Friday. They came out on top against the Hilltoppers by a score of 6-3.
Brianna Boelter spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and two unearned) runs on seven hits.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Kaylee Heberer, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with three doubles, two runs, and one stolen base. Those three doubles gave her a new career-high. Karlie Olson also deserves some recognition as she hit her first double of the season.
The victory got Randolph back to even at 6-6. As for Markesan, their win bumped their record up to 7-10.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Monday as neither team is afraid to steal. Randolph has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.2 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Markesan struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 3.5 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Randolph got the 'W' when the teams last played back in April against Markesan by a conclusive 24-7 score. Do the Rockets have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Hornets turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
