Softball Game Preview: Portageville Bulldogs vs. Oak Ridge Blue Jays

The Portageville Bulldogs will square off against the Oak Ridge Blue Jays at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Portageville has given up an average of 8.3 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Portageville is headed into Friday's match looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their third straight game on Thursday. They lost 11-4 to New Madrid County Central.

Portageville saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Avery Presley, who went 1-for-3 with one run and one double. Another was Ja'Niya Smith, who went 1-for-3 with one double and one RBI.

Meanwhile, after a string of 12 wins, Oak Ridge's good fortune finally ran out on Thursday. They fell just short of Bernie by a score of 2-1. The game marked the Blue Jays' lowest-scoring contest so far this season.

Kaelyn Deckerd was huge while hitting and pitching even without the win. On the mound, she struck out 15 batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off four hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in 11 consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with one home run and one stolen base.

Oak Ridge's defeat dropped their record down to 14-2. As for Portageville, their loss dropped their record down to 8-10.

Friday's match will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Portageville hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .359. However, it's not like Oak Ridge struggles in that department as they've averaged .344. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.