Softball Game Preview: Italy Gladiators vs. Meridian Yellowjackets

For the first time this season, Italy will have a chance to prove themselves in a conference matchup on Tuesday. They will look to defend their home field against the Meridian Yellowjackets at 5:30 p.m. Italy is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.2 runs per game this season.

Having struggled with three defeats in a row, Italy turned things around against Hico on Friday. They blew past the Tigers 24-8. The Gladiators' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.

Addy Slovak

Stolen Base

03/14/25 @ Hico	1
02/24/25 vs China Spring	5
02/15/25 vs Lake Worth	2
02/15/25 @ North Crowley	1
02/14/25 @ Castleberry	3
+ 8 more games

Addy Slovak was a standout: she fired off two home runs, five runs, and seven RBI while going 5-for-5. She has been hot for a while, having also posted at least one stolen base the last 13 times she's played. Another player making a difference was Charlea Padilla, who fired off three home runs, five RBI, and one stolen base while going 4-for-5.

Italy was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .622. The last time their batting average was this high was back in April of 2024.

Meanwhile, Meridian was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their ninth straight loss dating back to last season. They lost 18-3 to Itasca.

Mailey Padgett made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went a perfect 1-for-1 with one stolen base and two RBI.

The win got Italy back to even at 4-4. As for Meridian, their defeat dropped their record down to 0-3.

Tuesday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Italy hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .471. However, it's not like Meridian struggles in that department as they've averaged .319. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.