Dayton is on a five-game streak of home losses, and Lowry a three-game streak of away losses. However, someone's due for a change in luck on Thursday. The Dayton Dust Devils will be playing at home against the Lowry Buckaroos at 3:00 p.m.
The home team had won the previous two meetings between Dayton and Elko, and Elko kept the tradition alive. The Dust Devils fell just short of the Indians by a score of 7-6 on Saturday.
LaSade Conti put in work while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 11 batters over six innings while giving up five earned (and two unearned) runs off 11 hits (and only one walk). Conti was also big at the plate, going 1-for-4 with two RBI and one run.
In other batting news, Esmeralda Hernandez made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. Another player making a difference was Macie Hannum, who went 2-for-3 with one run and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Lowry faced Churchill County in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Saturday. The Buckaroos put the hurt on the Greenwave with a sharp 12-2 victory. The result was nothing new for the Buckaroos, who have now won 11 matches by seven runs or more so far this season.
Like Dayton, Lowry also got a great game from a two-way player: Maite Bengochea. She pitched five innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off six hits. Bengochea has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than two walks in nine consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with two runs, one double, and one RBI.
In other batting news, Liliana Aguilar was excellent, going 3-for-4 with three RBI, one run, and one double. That's the most hits she has posted since back in March. Crisslyn Rodriguez was another key player, going a perfect 3-for-3 with one run.
Lowry has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won seven of their last eight contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 22-6 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.3 runs over those games. As for Dayton, their loss dropped their record down to 10-17.
Thursday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Dayton has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .463. However, it's not like Lowry struggles in that department as they've averaged .460. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Dayton might still be hurting after the 13-1 defeat they got from Lowry in their previous matchup back in May of 2024. Can the Dust Devils avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
