Softball Preview: Marion Bulldogs vs. Randolph Ro-Hawks
Marion is 9-1 against Randolph since February of 2017, and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Friday. The Marion Bulldogs will look to defend their home field against the Randolph Ro-Hawks at 6:30 p.m. The teams are on pretty different trajectories at the moment (Marion has five straight victories, Randolph has 16 straight losses), but none of that matters once you're on the field.
Marion can now show off 12 landslide victories after their most recent matchup on Friday. They put the hurt on Luling with a sharp 13-3 win.
Kira Jones made a splash while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over five innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off six hits (and not a single walk). Jones has been consistent recently: she hasn't pitched less than five innings in four consecutive pitching appearances. Jones was also big at the plate, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with two RBI and a double.
In other batting news, Greenlee Trevino and Lailah Hernandez did most of the damage at the plate: Trevino went 2-for-2 with two runs, a triple, and two RBI, while Hernandez went 2-for-3 with four RBI, a stolen base, and a run. Gianna Ricarte was another key contributor, scoring a run while going 2-for-4.
Meanwhile, Randolph fell victim to Luling and their airtight pitching crew last Tuesday. They wound up on the wrong side of a tough 15-0 walloping at the hands of the Eagles.
Marion has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won nine of their last ten contests, which provided a nice bump to their 17-9 record this season. As for Randolph, their defeat dropped their record down to 2-19.
Friday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Marion has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .489. However, it's not like Randolph struggles in that department as they've averaged .507. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Marion took their victory against Randolph in their previous meeting on April 2nd by a conclusive 21-5. Does Marion have another victory up their sleeve, or will Randolph turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
