Softball Game Preview: Irvin Rockets vs. Riverside Rangers

Irvin hasn't had much luck against Riverside recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. Irvin will be playing in front of their home fans against Riverside at 6:00 p.m. Irvin has given up an average of 16.6 runs per game this season, but Tuesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Irvin is headed into Tuesday's matchup looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fourth straight game on Friday. They came up short against Young Women's STEAM Research & Preparatory Academy, falling 14-4.

Kimberly De La Torre was cooking despite her team's loss, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-3. She also put up an RBI, which was her first of the season.

Meanwhile, Riverside had already won two in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 12 runs) and they went ahead and made it three on Friday. They put the hurt on the Indians with a sharp 15-5 victory. The result was nothing new for the Rangers, who have now won ten games by seven runs or more so far this season.

Julie Muniz was a standout: she fired off two home runs and five RBI while going 3-for-4. Those five RBI gave her a new career-high. Mandy Contreras was another key player, going a perfect 4-for-4 with four RBI, two runs, and one stolen base.

Riverside kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 17 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least 13 hits in four consecutive contests.

Irvin's defeat dropped their record down to 3-13. As for Riverside, the win got them back to even at 11-11.

Tuesday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Irvin has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .539. However, it's not like Riverside struggles in that department as they've averaged .490. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Irvin might still be hurting after the 17-5 loss they got from Riverside in their previous meeting back in April of 2024. Can Irvin avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.