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How the collegiate game has impacted area high school softball teams' batting orders

nmcnair
May 15, 2025
May 15, 2025 Updated Jun 4, 2025

05192023 oregon v deforest softball SKM 2-05192023192238.jpg — Oregon’s Carly Zych sprints to home plate for a run during a game against DeForest on May 19, 2023 at Oregon High School. The Panthers are an area team that has redefined what a traditional cleanup hitter looks like.
SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL ARCHIVES

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The best power hitter, better known as the cleanup hitter, has traditionally been fourth in the batting order for softball teams.

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Macey Blazek, Middleton — **Blazek**
NILE MCNAIR, STATE JOURNAL

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Teagan Simpson, Oregon — **Simpson**
NILE MCNAIR, STATE JOURNAL

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Carly Zych, Oregon — **Zych**
NILE MCNAIR, STATE JOURNAL

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Kylie Klock, Middleton — **Klock**
NILE MCNAIR, STATE JOURNAL

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