The Washington Patriots are taking a road trip to face off against the University Hawks at 2:00 p.m. on Friday. Washington is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.1 runs per game this season.
Last Saturday, it was close, but Washington sidestepped Wheeling Park for a 9-7 victory.
Madison Smith spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered seven runs (all of which were unearned) on nine hits.
On the hitting side, Addison Musser was excellent, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs, two doubles, and one RBI. Jordan Clayton also deserves some recognition as she hit her first triple of the season.
Meanwhile, University faced Parkersburg South in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Thursday. The Hawks came out on top against the Patriots by a score of 5-0.
The result came thanks to Sophia Lehosit's shutout, as she gave up just a hit and racked up 14 Ks. She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances.
At the plate, University saw seven different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Maddie Shaver, who went 2-for-4 with two runs and one RBI.
University kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Parkersburg South only managed one.
Washington now has a winning record of 6-5. As for University, their record is now 13-4.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Washington has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.9 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like University struggles in that department as they've been averaging 9.1 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Washington might still be hurting after the 8-0 defeat they got from University in their previous matchup on Friday. Can the Patriots avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
