Softball Game Preview: Milton Red Hawks vs. Watertown Goslings

The Milton Red Hawks will venture away from home to face off against the Watertown Goslings at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Both come into the matchup bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

On Tuesday, Milton beat Waunakee 6-3. The win continues a trend for the Red Hawks in their matchups with the Warriors: they've now won six in a row.

Watertown came out on top against DeForest on Tuesday thanks in part to the team's impressive eight-run third inning. The Goslings put the hurt on the Norskies with a sharp 13-3 victory. Considering the Goslings have won four contests by more than five runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.

Cali Craig made a splash no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks any time she's pitched this season. She was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in three of her five plate appearances with two RBI and one run.

In other batting news, Ava Novotny was excellent, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. Cassidy Peplinski also deserves some recognition as she hit her first double of the season.

Milton's win was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 6-4. Those home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.3 runs on average over those games. As for Watertown, their record now sits at 5-1.

Milton was able to grind out a solid win over Watertown in their previous matchup back in May of 2024, winning 7-4. Do the Red Hawks have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Goslings turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.