Softball Game Preview: Central Raiders vs. Annandale Cardinals

The Central Raiders are taking a road trip to take on the Annandale Cardinals at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. The two teams are sauntering into the matchup backed by comfortable wins in their prior games.

Central came out on top against Litchfield on Monday thanks in part to the team's impressive five-run first inning. The Raiders' pitchers stepped up to hand the Dragons a 10-0 shutout. The Raiders' victory was nothing new given the team hasn't lost yet this season.

Meanwhile, Annandale hadn't done well against Maple Lake recently (they were 1-6 in their previous seven matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Tuesday. The Cardinals put the hurt on the Irish with a sharp 12-3 win. Winning may never get old, but the Cardinals sure are getting used to it with their third in a row.

Makayla Jenniges made a splash no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing six innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off four hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with one home run and three RBI. That home run was her first of the season.

In other batting news, Madee Larson was a standout: she went 2-for-4 with two runs, two RBI, and one double. Kara Scheer was another key player, going 3-for-5 with two runs, one double, and one RBI.

Annandale kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 14 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least nine hits in five consecutive contests.

Annandale pushed their record up to 3-3 with the victory, which was their third straight on the road. Those road wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.3 runs over those games. As for Central, their record is now 3-0.

Central skirted past Annandale 4-2 when the teams last played back in April of 2024. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Raiders since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.