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Mentor vs. Gahanna Lincoln softball: Preview capsule for May 28 regional semifinal
Mentor vs. Gahanna Lincoln
What: Division I regional semifinal
When: 5 p.m., May 28
Where: Bellville Clear Fork, 987 Route 97 E, Bellville
Records: Mentor 22-7, Gahanna Lincoln 18-11
On deck: Winner will face the winner of Lancaster and Olentangy (the 2 p.m. on May 28) for the regional title on May 30 at 5 p.m.
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State forecast: The Bellville Regional winner will face the London Regional (Lebanon, Marysville, Deleware Hayes, Grove City) winner in the state final four.
Mentor's path: Defeated Canton GlenOak, 10-3, def. Berea-Midpark, 10-7 (8 innings)
Gahanna Lincoln's path: Defeated Olentangy Orange, 8-7, def. Olentangy Liberty, 9-6
For the record: The Cardinals are in the regional round for the first time in 16 years and are riding the crest of a 16-game winning streak. The offense boasts three batters with averages north of .400 – Ireland Rainey (.480, nine home runs, 37 runs, 32 RBI), Chy Harville (.429) and Sophia Smalley (.410, 32 runs, 26 RBI). Maggie Hayde is strong pitching (11-0, 2.1 ERA, 74 strikeouts), and she's also hit eight home runs and driven in 30. … Gahanna Lincoln features a powerful offensive unit, led by Kira Bailey (.549, 42 runs, 15 RBI), Gabby Esterby (.457, 19 RBI, 31 runs), Grace Miller (.338, six home runs, 23 RBI) and Bella Costa (.384, six home runs, 37 RBI). Grace Miller has been the most-used pitcher this season. She is 10-5 with a 4.88 ERA, striking out 54 in 111 innings.
