The L'Anse Creuse Lancers will venture away from home to square off against the Lake Shore Shorians at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. The last three games L'Anse Creuse has played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.
L'Anse Creuse is probably headed into the contest with a chip on their shoulder considering Marine City just ended the team's five-game winning streak on Tuesday. They fell just short of the Mariners by a score of 6-5.
Alyssa Strohl was cooking despite her team's loss, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with two runs and one double. Kaylene Wirick also deserves some recognition as she snagged her first stolen base of the season.
Lake Shore came out on top against Roseville on Wednesday thanks in part to the team's impressive 14-run first inning. The Shorians' pitcher stepped up to hand the Panthers a 19-0 shutout. The Shorians might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won six games by 11 runs or more this season.
Sara Augustitus made a big impact no matter where she played. She struck out six batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one walk in four consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, getting on base in all three of her plate appearances with one stolen base and one run.
In other batting news, Elise Badyna and Piper Lees did most of the damage at the plate: Badyna went a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run, six RBI, and two runs, while Lees got on base in all three of her plate appearances with one home run, three runs, and two RBI. Those six RBI gave Badyna a new career-high. Renee Fremont was another key player, going a perfect 1-for-1 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.
Lake Shore always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .700. They are a perfect 6-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Lake Shore has been performing well recently as they've won six of their last eight matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 7-4 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.4 runs over those games. As for L'Anse Creuse, the loss was their first on the road , dropping their record down to 5-4.
Friday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. L'Anse Creuse hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .337. However, it's not like Lake Shore struggles in that department as they've averaged .363. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
L'Anse Creuse was able to grind out a solid victory over Lake Shore in their previous meeting back in May of 2021, winning 4-1. Do the Lancers have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Shorians turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
