Cumberland is 1-9 against Hayward since May of 2019 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Tuesday. The Beavers will host the Hurricanes at 5:00 p.m. Cumberland is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 9.2 runs per game this season.
On Thursday, Cumberland didn't have quite enough to beat Northwestern and fell 7-6.
Presli Butzler made the most of her time in the batter's box despite the final result and went a perfect 4-for-4 with one stolen base, one run, and one double. Avery Johnson was another key player, going 1-for-4 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run.
Meanwhile, Hayward waltzed into their matchup on Monday with three straight wins... but they left with four. They came out on top against the Panthers by a score of 7-2.
Nikki Miller was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two stolen bases, two runs, and two doubles. Those two doubles gave her a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Colby Sprenger, who went 2-for-4 with one triple, two RBI, and one run.
Hayward was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .400. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .333 or higher in four consecutive contests.
Hayward's win bumped their record up to 15-10. As for Cumberland, their loss dropped their record down to 12-11.
Tuesday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Cumberland hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .328. However, it's not like Hayward struggles in that department as they've averaged .400. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Cumberland might still be hurting after the 11-1 defeat they got from Hayward when the teams last played back in April. Will the Beavers have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.
