FPN Series of the Week: Harvard vs. Yale
To some, it’s known as “The Game” and concludes the college football season every fall. Harvard and Yale created a rivalry in 1897 and the two will renew it this weekend on the diamond.
The softball series dates back to 1981 and Harvard leads the all-time series 68-20. Yale (10-21, 4-4) sits in second place in the Ivy League’s North Division while Harvard is third (12-14, 3-5). They will play a doubleheader in Cambridge, Mass., on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. ET with the second game following. The same schedule is set for Sunday.
At the Plate
Sophomore Rhianna Rich leads Harvard with a .444 batting average. In 99 plate appearances, she has collected 40 hits including a double and three triples, 18 runs scored, 11 RBI, 8 walks and three strikeouts. Classmate, Erin Lockhart has provided the power for the Crimson with team-highs four home runs and 17 RBI.
Sophomore Shelby Kennedy leads the Yale Bulldogs with a .337 batting average. In 92 at bats, she has 31 hits (all singles), 15 runs scored, 11 RBI, 10 walks and 12 stolen bases. Laina Do and Madison Sack are tied for the team-lead in RBI with 13. Sack’s four homers also leads the team.
In the Circle
Kathleen Duncan has thrown the most innings for Harvard this season. In 71.1 innings, she has compiled a 4-6 record with three saves and a 3.53 ERA. Taylor Cabe is 3-5 with a 3.60 ERA in 60.1 innings. Sarah Smith and Olivia Giaquinto are both used more out of the bullpen. Smith has appeared in 14 games but only started four. She has the lowest ERA with a 3.18 in 33 innings of work.
Terra Jerpbak, Francesca Casalino and Lindsay Efflandt are the three starters for Yale. Jerpbak has thrown 69 innings with a 4.67 ERA and has a 3-6 record in 19 appearances. Casalino and Efflandt each have a 3-7 record. Casalino’s 3.74 ERA leads the Yale staff while Efflandt has the most appearances with 20.
Analysis & Prediction
Going head-to-head, these two teams are almost even. Harvard has scored 105 runs, has a .258 batting average, .334 on-base percentage, .348 slugging percentage and eight homers. Yale has scored 112 runs with a .255 batting average, .333 on-base percentage, .335 slugging percentage and 12 home runs. The biggest difference is Yale has played five more games.
The difference maker in this series will be home-field advantage.
Pick: Harvard
