The Dallas Mountaineers will head out to square off against the Northwest Area Rangers at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. Both come into the game bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Dallas took a 16-run defeat the last time they faced off against Tunkhannock, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Mountaineers sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 6-5 victory over the Tigers on Thursday. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Mountaineers.
NINA BARROUK was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she struck out eight batters over seven innings while giving up four earned (and one unearned) runs off eight hits (and only one walk). She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than one walk in six consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with two RBI and one double.
In other batting news, SYDNEY HAYDU was excellent, going 2-for-3 with two runs, one double, and one RBI. That double was her first of the season. SOPHIA MAIER was another key player, going 3-for-4 with two runs.
Meanwhile, Northwest Area entered their tilt with Bucktail on Wednesday with three consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with four. They blew past the Bucks 11-1. Considering the Rangers have won nine matches by more than six runs this season, Wednesday's blowout was nothing new.
Jenna Robaczewski spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered a run (which was unearned) on one hit and racked up 14 Ks.
On the hitting side, Ava Ruckle was a standout: she got on base in four of her five plate appearances with four RBI, one triple, and one run. Another player making a difference was Abygail Miller, who went 3-for-4 with three runs and three RBI.
Northwest Area kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits in four consecutive contests.
Northwest Area's win was their fifth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 9-1. The road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 13.2 runs over those games. As for Dallas, they now have a winning record of 4-3.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Monday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Dallas has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.3 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Northwest Area struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8.6 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
