The Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted Lakers will face off against the Litchfield Dragons at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.4 runs per game this season.
On Tuesday, Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted came up short against New London-Spicer and fell 9-6.
Breckyn Jonell made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, three RBI, and two runs. She also hit a triple, marking her first of the season. Ari Keating was another key player, going 2-for-3 with three stolen bases and two runs.
Meanwhile, Litchfield came tearing into Monday's matchup with four straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 7.8 runs), and they left with even more momentum. Their pitcher stepped up to hand the Royals a 12-0 shutout. Considering the Dragons have won four contests by more than nine runs this season, Monday's blowout was nothing new.
Paizli Johnson was incredible, firing off two home runs, five RBI, and three runs while going 4-for-4. Those five RBI gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Autum Theil, who went 2-for-4 with one triple, one stolen base, and one run.
Litchfield was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .565. That's the best batting average they've posted all season.
Litchfield's win was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 6-7. Those home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.7 runs on average over those games. As for Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost six of their last seven games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 5-7 record this season.
Wednesday's match will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .330. However, it's not like Litchfield struggles in that department as they've averaged .380. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted beat Litchfield 5-2 in their previous meeting back in April. Will the Lakers repeat their success, or do the Dragons have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
