Softball Game Preview: Benton Rangers vs. Anna-Jonesboro Wildcats

Benton is 0-3 against Anna-Jonesboro since April of 2024 but things could change on Monday. The Rangers will be playing at home against the Wildcats at 4:30 p.m. Keep an eye on the score for this one: the two teams posted some lofty run totals in their previous games.

While Benton's victory against DuQuoin wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. The Rangers sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with an 11-10 win over the Indians on Friday. The Rangers haven't had any issues with the Indians recently, as the game was their third consecutive victory against them.

Meanwhile, Anna-Jonesboro waltzed into their contest on Friday with three straight wins... but they left with four. They never let the Hornets get on the board and left with a 13-0 win. The Wildcats might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won 16 matchups by six runs or more this season.

Ruby Yates was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out seven over five innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up a single walk in 14 consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with one home run and five RBI. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in April of 2024.

In other batting news, Kansas Craig was incredible, firing off two home runs, three runs, and four RBI while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances. Another player making a difference was Carley Pearson, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with two runs and one RBI.

Anna-Jonesboro's victory was their third straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 18-2. The road wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 0.7 runs on average over those games. As for Benton, their victory bumped their record up to 10-7.

Benton might still be hurting after the 16-1 loss they got from Anna-Jonesboro when the teams last played two weeks ago. Will the Rangers have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.