Softball Preview: Piner Prospectors vs. San Rafael Bulldogs
After six games on the road, Piner is heading back home. They will take on the San Rafael Bulldogs at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Piner scored the most runs they've had all season to find success on Thursday. Everything went their way against Elsie Allen as Piner made off with an 18-10 win. The victory was just what Piner needed coming off of a 9-2 loss in their prior game.
Mariah Membrilla was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and only one hit while striking out ten over four innings pitched. Membrilla was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring two runs while going 2-for-2.
In other batting news, Mialynn Membrilla was a standout: she went 3-for-3 with three RBI, two runs, and two doubles. Another player making a difference was Lily Delansig, who scored five runs and stole a base while going 3-for-5.
Meanwhile, San Rafael waltzed into their match on Friday with five straight wins... but they left with six. They never let the Red Devils onto the board and left with an 11-0 win.
Like Piner, San Rafael also got a great game from a two-way player: Gabby Rodriguez. On the mound, Rodriguez tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit (she also only allowed one walk). Meanwhile, Thomara Drummer struck out eight batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit (and not a single walk). She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't tossed less than eight strikeouts every time she's pitched this season. At bat, Rodriguez got on base in all three of her plate appearances with an RBI, while Drummer went 2-for-3 with five RBI, a run, and a double.
In other batting news, San Rafael got a massive performance out of Angel Amesa, who scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-3. The team also got some help courtesy of Sophia Everett, who scored three runs while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances.
Piner has been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five contests, which provided a massive bump to their 6-6 record this season. As for San Rafael, they pushed their record up to 10-2 with that victory, which was their fifth straight at home.
Friday's matchup will be a test for both team's pitchers. Piner hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .369. However, it's not like San Rafael struggles in that department as they've averaged .328. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Piner suffered a grim 11-1 defeat to San Rafael in their previous matchup back in March of 2022. Will Piner have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
