Softball Game Preview: Pomona Panthers vs. Golden Demons

Pomona hasn't had much luck against Golden recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Panthers will head out to challenge the Demons at 4:00 p.m. Pomona has given up an average of 12.7 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Pomona came into their game on Wednesday off a hard-fought close win, but unfortunately suffered a serious change of fortune. They came up short against Mountain Range, falling 16-6.

Meanwhile, Golden entered their tilt with Conifer on Wednesday with two consecutive wins but they'll enter their next game with three. They put the hurt on the Lobos with a sharp 16-2 win. The Demons might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won 12 games by six runs or more this season.

Adrianna Riddle was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching 3.2 innings while giving up just two earned runs off two hits. She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 11 consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with one home run and two RBI.

In other batting news, Lucca Merz was a standout: she fired off two home runs, four runs, and three RBI while going 4-for-4. Those two home runs gave her a new career-high. Reagan Smith was another key player, going 2-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and two RBI.

Golden always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .562. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their OBP total in three consecutive contests.

Golden's record now sits at 13-5. As for Pomona, their loss dropped their record down to 2-12.

Pomona couldn't quite get it done against Golden when the teams last played back in October of 2024 as they fell 12-9. Can the Panthers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.