Softball Game Preview: Antelope Rams vs. Maryvale Prep Matador

The Antelope Rams will face off against the Maryvale Prep Matador at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. Antelope has given up an average of 9 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Antelope came up short against Parker on Monday, falling 16-2. The Rams have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Karyme Arana was cooking despite her team's loss, going a perfect 1-for-1 with two stolen bases and one run. The team also got some help courtesy of Katie Williams, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one stolen base and one run.

Meanwhile, Maryvale Prep came into Tuesday's game having lost six straight, but that streak is now in the rearview. They were the clear victors by a 32-10 margin over San Pasqual Valley on Tuesday. The result was nothing new for the Matador, who have now won five contests by 12 runs or more so far this season.

Sophia Lopez was a standout: she got on base in all five of her plate appearances with three stolen bases, four runs, and one RBI. Another player making a difference was Natalie Heidmann, who got on base in all five of her plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and two RBI.

Maryvale Prep always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .889. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.

Antelope's loss dropped their record down to 8-6. As for Maryvale Prep, their win bumped their record up to 5-9.

Maryvale Prep's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Antelope has been making plenty of contact this season, having averaged 9.6 hits per game. It's a different story for Maryvale Prep, though, as they've been averaging 12.4 hits. Given Antelope's sizable advantage in that area, the Matador will need to find a way to close that gap. Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.