Softball Game Preview: Lauralton Hall Crusaders vs. Thomaston Bears

The Lauralton Hall Crusaders will venture away from home to face off against the Thomaston Bears at 3:45 p.m. on Thursday. Lauralton Hall has given up an average of 14.3 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

New Milford hit Lauralton Hall with a five-run fifth inning on Tuesday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Crusaders lost 12-2 to the Green Wave. Having soared to a lofty 14 runs in the game before, the Crusaders couldn't push the score so high this time.

Kaley Hobbs spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered four earned (and eight unearned) runs on eight hits and racked up eight Ks.

On the hitting side, Lexi Grund made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases and one run.

Meanwhile, Thomaston suffered their biggest loss since May 8th on Wednesday. They came up short against Watertown, falling 14-6. The defeat continues a trend for the Bears in their meetings with the Warriors: they've now lost five in a row.

Jackie Phillips was cooking despite her team's loss, going a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. That home run marked the first that she has launched this season. Another player making a difference was Aylin Lahey, who went 2-for-3 with three runs, one stolen base, and one double.

Thomaston's loss dropped their record down to 11-8. As for Lauralton Hall, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost eight of their last nine matchups. That's put a noticeable dent in their 2-15 record this season.