Softball Game Preview: Water Valley Blue Devils vs. Houlka Wildcats

The Water Valley Blue Devils are taking a road trip to take on the Houlka Wildcats at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Water Valley is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 11.9 runs per game this season.

Water Valley's pitching crew heads into the contest hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Monday. They blew past Palmer 14-0. The victory continues a trend for the Blue Devils in their matchups with the Dragons: they've now won five in a row.

The team relied heavily on Mariah Wilson, who scored two runs and stole two bases while going 2-for-2. Another player making a difference was Kenley Pullen, who scored two runs and stole two bases while getting on base in both of her plate appearances.

Water Valley always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .645. They are a perfect 8-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.

Meanwhile, Houlka was not able to break out of their rough patch on Tuesday as the team picked up their 19th straight defeat dating back to last season. They came up short against Vardaman, falling 15-0. The match marked the first time this year in which the Wildcats were not able to get on the board.

Houlka's loss dropped their record down to 0-11. As for Water Valley, their win bumped their record up to 8-6.

Thursday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Water Valley has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .564. However, it's not like Houlka struggles in that department as they've averaged .472. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Water Valley took their victory against Houlka when the teams last played back in February by a conclusive 17-4. Will Water Valley repeat their success, or does Houlka has a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.