Softball Game Preview: Independence Patriots vs. Sierra Linda Bulldogs

For the second straight game, Independence will face off against Sierra Linda. The Patriots will host the Bulldogs at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. Independence is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 10.7 runs per game this season.

Sierra Linda will be up against a hot Independence team: the squad just extended their winning streak to three. The Patriots blew past the Bulldogs 16-3 on Tuesday. The result was nothing new for the Patriots, who have now won six games by ten runs or more so far this season.

Mariana Perez Vargas

Runs Batted In (Career)

04/22/25 @ Sierra Linda	4
04/01/25 vs Washington	3
03/05/25 vs North Canyon	3
03/29/24 @ Metro Tech	3
04/04/24 vs Youngker	2

Mariana Perez Vargas and Nailea Lopez Flores made a big impact no matter where they played. On the mound, Perez Vargas pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Lopez Flores struck out ten batters over five innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off two hits. Perez Vargas has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in three consecutive appearances. At bat, Perez Vargas went 2-for-5 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs, while Lopez Flores went 1-for-4 with three runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. Those four RBI gave Perez Vargas a new career-high.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Genevieve De La Cruz, who got on base in three of her five plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and one triple. Carmen Hernandez was another key player, getting on base in three of her five plate appearances with one home run and two RBI.

Independence pushed their record up to 12-3 with the win, which was their third straight on the road. The road victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 4.0 runs on average over those games. As for Sierra Linda, this is the second loss in a row for them and nudges their season record down to 2-12.

Thursday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Independence has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .455. However, it's not like Sierra Linda struggles in that department as they've averaged .509. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.