Softball Preview: ThunderRidge Grizzlies vs. Ponderosa Mustangs
The ThunderRidge Grizzlies will square off against the Ponderosa Mustangs at 3:30 p.m. on Friday. ThunderRidge is coming into the matchup on a four-game losing streak.
On Wednesday, ThunderRidge came up short against Castle View and fell 10-7.
Abigail Gooden made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went 3-for-4 with four RBI, a triple, and a run. The last time her batting average was this high was back in October of 2023. The team also got some help courtesy of Rowan Daufeldt, who scored a run while going 2-for-3.
Meanwhile, while Ponderosa put up some runs on Wednesday, the same can't be said for Regis Jesuit. Ponderosa blew past Regis Jesuit 10-0. The result was nothing new for the Mustangs, who have now won seven contests by six runs or more so far this season.
The result came thanks to Annabelle Horan's shutout, as she gave up just two hits and racked up ten Ks.
On the hitting side, Ponderosa let Makayla Odette and Campbell Trombley loose on the outfield. Odette went 1-for-3 with a triple, a run, and an RBI, while Trombley scored two runs and stole a base while going 1-for-3. The team also got some help courtesy of Avery Britt, who scored a run and stole two bases while going 1-for-3.
Ponderosa always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .576. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Regis Jesuit only posted an OBP of .200.
ThunderRidge's loss dropped their record down to 5-8. As for Ponderosa, they are on a roll lately: they've won seven of their last eight matches, which provided a nice bump to their 11-4 record this season.
Friday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. ThunderRidge has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of 0. However, it's not like Ponderosa struggles in that department as they've averaged 0. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
ThunderRidge took their victory against Ponderosa when the teams last played back in September of 2023 by a conclusive 8-2. Does ThunderRidge have another victory up their sleeve, or will Ponderosa turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
