The Blue Eye Bulldogs will take on the Hurley Tigers at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Blue Eye has now lost eight straight, leaving the team hunting for their first win since April 8.
Fans were treated to a battle of the Bulldogs on Monday. Blue Eye came up short against Gainesville, falling 14-1.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Hurley). They put the hurt on Verona with a sharp 19-4 win on Monday. The Tigers might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won six contests by seven runs or more this season.
Addy Maxwell made a splash while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over three innings while giving up three earned (and one unearned) runs off four hits (and only one walk). She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in 12 consecutive appearances. She was even better at the plate, going 2-for-3 with three runs, one triple, and one stolen base.
In other batting news, Hurley got a massive performance out of Madi Conrad, who got on base in all four of her plate appearances with three RBI, two runs, and one triple. Jaema Schimmels was another key player, getting on base in all three of her plate appearances with one home run, three runs, and one stolen base.
Hurley always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .742. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Hurley has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won six of their last seven games. That's provided a nice bump to their 9-6 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.4 runs over those games. As for Blue Eye, their defeat dropped their record down to 2-11.
Tuesday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Blue Eye has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .498. However, it's not like Hurley struggles in that department as they've averaged .492. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Blue Eye suffered a grim 11-1 defeat to Hurley in their previous meeting two weeks ago. Will the Bulldogs have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.
