Softball Game Preview: Martinsville Artesians vs. Franklin Community Grizzly Cubs

The Martinsville Artesians will take on the Franklin Community Grizzly Cubs at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Martinsville is coming into the game on a four-game losing streak.

Martinsville managed to slip by Indian Creek the last time these teams faced off, but didn't have those same answers this time around. The Artesians came up short against the Braves on Monday, falling 10-3.

Adison Ford and Emma Mowery did some serious damage despite the final result: Ford went 3-for-4 with one triple, while Mowery went 1-for-3 with one triple, one run, and one RBI. That triple marked the first that Mowery has hit this season.

Meanwhile, Franklin Community came up short against New Palestine on Monday and fell 4-1. The loss continues a trend for the Grizzly Cubs in their meetings with the Dragons: they've now lost six in a row.

Franklin Community saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Aubrey Leugers, who went 1-for-3 with one stolen base.

Martinsville's defeat dropped their record down to 8-12. As for Franklin Community, their loss dropped their record down to 9-8.

Tuesday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Martinsville hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .334. However, it's not like Franklin Community struggles in that department as they've averaged .356. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Martinsville beat Franklin Community 8-3 when the teams last played back in May of 2024. Will the Artesians repeat their success, or do the Grizzly Cubs have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.