Fife has won five straight games at home, while Steilacoom has won five straight on the road, but those streaks won't matter much on Thursday. The Trojans will host the Sentinels at 7:00 p.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Fife will roll into the game after a wild two-game stretch: they only put up two runs on Monday, then bounced right back against Franklin Pierce on Wednesday. The Trojans put the hurt on the Cardinals with a sharp 11-1 win.
Mallory Geving made a splash no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only two hits while striking out eight over five innings pitched. She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with one triple, one run, and one RBI. That triple was her first of the season.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Hope Cole, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs, two doubles, and two RBI. Those two doubles gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Brooke Lindenmuth, who went a perfect 1-for-1 with two stolen bases and two runs.
Meanwhile, Steilacoom never let their opponents score two weeks ago. They were the clear victors by a 17-0 margin over Washington. The game was the first time the Sentinels have beaten the Patriots on their field since April 21, 2016.
Like Fife, Steilacoom also got a great game from a two-way player: Aubrey Gidley. She kept things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out 13 over five innings pitched. Gidley was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.
In other batting news, Allison Roach and Harper Runn did most of the damage at the plate: Roach went a perfect 3-for-3 with two stolen bases, three runs, and two RBI, while Runn went a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. Makayla Downey was another key player, going 1-for-4 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run.
Steilacoom kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. They are a perfect 4-0 when they post 11 or more hits.
Fife's victory bumped their record up to 9-4. As for Steilacoom, they now have a winning record of 5-4.
Thursday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Fife hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .355. However, it's not like Steilacoom struggles in that department as they've averaged .323. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Fife was able to grind out a solid win over Steilacoom in their previous meeting back in March, winning 6-3. Do the Trojans have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Sentinels turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
