Hartland will challenge Lakeland at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. Hartland will be strutting in after a victory while Lakeland will be coming in after a loss.
Hartland was handed a heart-breaking two-run defeat in their last game, but they sure didn't let that happen against Brighton on Wednesday. The Eagles blew past the Bulldogs 13-3. The Eagles not only won on Wednesday, but they posted their biggest win since April 9th (when they won 13-1).
Skylar Spisz was incredible, going 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in April. Emme Kottong was another key player, going 2-for-3 with three RBI, one run, and one double.
Hartland always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .516. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Brighton only posted an OBP of .238.
Meanwhile, after a string of three wins, Lakeland's good fortune finally ran out on Tuesday. They fell 8-5 to South Lyon. Eagles fans who chose to attend the game sure picked the wrong one: it was the first time the team's lost against the Lions since on Tuesday.
Brynn Taliercio was cooking despite her team's loss, going a perfect 4-for-4 with one home run, one stolen base, and two RBI. That home run was her first of the season. The team also got some help courtesy of Alyssa Goldman, who went 1-for-4 with two runs.
Hartland has been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five matchups. That's provided a massive bump to their 7-5-1 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 8.4 runs over those games. As for Lakeland, their loss dropped their record down to 13-4.
Thursday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Hartland hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .336. However, it's not like Lakeland struggles in that department as they've averaged .432. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Hartland took their victory against Lakeland in their previous meeting back in June of 2019 by a conclusive 7-0 score. Does Hartland have another victory up their sleeve, or will Lakeland turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
